NAT has an ever-changing line up; that’s the beauty of having an open-access theatre venue! See what your favourite performers are up to and discover new artists, by checking here regularly. NAT doesn’t pre-programme seasons, so this is where you can see what we have going on. We have a bar open from 1 hourish before the show, and you are welcome to take your drinks into the theatre (there’s no BYO!)
Octagon Collective Presents: July Poetry Reading with Jordan Irvine & Jenna Heller, and Open Mic!
Weds 8 July, 7pm
FREE entry!
Bar open from 6pm
The Octagon Poetry Collective welcomes you to our July ’26 poetry reading – this month we feature guest poets Jordan Irvine and Jenna Heller, and Jasmine will be your MC.
For Open Mic, please bring one poem if you wish to read, and see Jasmine on the night to sign up.
Attendance is FREE, but if you have the means please support our co-hosts by purchasing refreshments during the evening.
We are a hate-free zone and decry any bigotry, hate speech, transphobia, homophobia, or racism – bring only your creativity and community spirit.
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Jordan Irvine is an Ōtepoti born and Ōtautahi based poet. They have been published in The Spinoff, bad apple, The Art Lens, Symposia amongst others. Their work deals with the absurd nature of the world and their place in it. They are also unemployed so if you like the cut of their jib please present a job opportunity to them as soon as possible.
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Jenna Heller is an American-New Zealand writer who lives in Ōtautahi. Alongside writing beautiful poetry, Jenna is an accomplished flash fiction writer, having won National Flash Fiction Day and appearing in three editions of the international Best Small Fictions anthology. Her debut flash collection, The End of the Beginning, was published in 2024 (At the Bay | I te Kokoru), followed by her first poetry collection, The Dancing Bicycle, in 2025 (Sudden Valley Press)
Your Collective committee:
Jackson
Mac MacDonald
Jasmine Taylor
Nicola Thorstensen
Ben Wilmot
Sophia Wilson
THE YARD: The Rawest Dance Competition
Sat 11 July, 5-8pm
Alcohol-Free Event, No BYO
THE YARD
A brand new dance battle is landing in Dunedin
Categories
• 1v1 Breakdance
• 1v1 Freestyle
• Mini Crew Battle
Judges
• @marthamcauley
• @dino_mercado
• @yamadp
Cash Prizes
• 1v1 Breakdance 1st $100
• 1v1 Freestyle 1st $100
• Mini Crew Battle 1st $200
DJ
@itz_hokii
Free Red Bull
Lucky Draw Giveaways
Tickets available now.
https://324centralmarket.co.nz/…/the-yard-audience…
Applications for dancers are now open!
https://forms.gle/1CnJACUwxTUBFiCy5
Follow @theyardnz for updates.
Fresh Bits Comedy with Ben Hurley
Thurs 16 July, 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 HERE
Bar open from 6:30pm
FRESH BITS COMEDY WITH BEN HURLEY
NZ comedy veteran and legend of laughs Ben Hurley , hosts a lineup of some of Dunedin’s favourite comedians and their freshest bits!
Local comedians doctorfalco, Reuben Crisp, Nicola Brown, Caitlin Owen and Harriet Moir – Celebrant/Comedian/MC are busting out some brand new gear to (hopefully) make YOU snort (with laughter).
Will it bomb, blast or burn? Will it fly, flop or fizz?
Probably all of the above but it will be a crack up of a show either way. Personally, I can’t wait to bomb in front of Ben Hurley.
Grab those tickets and who knows, you could be the first to witness NZ’s best / worst new joke!
OCTAGON COLLECTIVE Poetry Night – 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7pm
FREE poetry readings – special guest artists, and open mic.
MONTHLY, WEDNESDAYS - 11/2, 11/3, 8/4, 13/5, 10/6, 8/7, 12/8, 9/9, 14/10, 11/11, 9/12
7PM
Bar from 6pm – no BYO
Femme: Experience a vibrant showcase of burlesque and cabaret artistry, confidence, empowerment and creativity that honors femininity in all its forms.
8PM
Bar from 7pm – no BYO
Improsaurus: Season 2 The Spooky Season coming soon! 28/8, 18/9, 2/10, 16/10, 30/10
8PM
Bar from 7pm – no BYO
New Athenaeum Theatre 