TAHI Festival 2025: NZ’s Celebration of Solo Performance Returns with a New Format and Double the Line-Up
TAHI Festival is back 10-20 September with a brand-new format, expanded partnerships, and twice the shows compared to 2023.
Now in its sixth year, TAHI doubles down on its kaupapa of elevating the solo performer, unveiling a new format and bringing fresh creative energy. With 16 shows across multiple Wellington venues, this year’s programme spans laugh-out-loud comedy, raw political theatre, poetic cabaret, and intimate living room storytelling.
BATS Theatre becomes the home to new solo works, giving artists a dedicated space to premiere original solo pieces. Meanwhile, established and award-winning favourites will take centre stage at The Hannah, Circa Theatre, Te Auaha, Two/Fifty Seven Willis Street, and - in true solo style - an artist’s own apartment.
“The festival has evolved over the years,” says Festival Director Sally Richards. “TAHI has always been about the power of one, but we know no solo artist works alone. Our new model puts that network front and centre. We give artists the wrap-around support they need to take creative leaps, while growing a platform for their work to be seen.”
New this year, TAHI introduces Creative Residencies — a major step in supporting the development of solo theatre in Aotearoa. These residencies offer artists time, space, and mentorship to explore new ideas and deepen their practice in a collaborative environment. In 2025, three residencies will be delivered in partnership with Creative New Zealand and leading arts organisations: a residency for Māori creatives with Taki Rua, a Theatre for Young Audiences residency with Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA) and Toi Poneke Arts Centre, and an Emerging Artist residency with BATS Theatre.
HATCH, TAHI Festival’s high-energy student showcase, returns to spotlight the next generation of solo performers. In partnership with Wellington City Council, Te Auaha, Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, HATCH supports emerging artists through workshops, mentorship, and creative development, culminating in a student showcase at BATS Theatre.
“BATS is proud to be the whare for TAHI Creative Residencies and HATCH, and to serve as the vibrant hub for this year’s festival,” says Tania Marie Tapiki Smith, General Manager at BATS Theatre.
TAHI began in 2019 and was last presented to Wellington audiences in 2023 with eight shows. Now, in 2025, it returns 10–20 September with double the programme, a broader creative footprint, and the same commitment to courageous storytelling from some of the most exciting solo voices from Aotearoa and beyond.
The full programme and ticketing information can be found at tahifestivalnz.com.
