BONES

About

BONES a one man play performed by Julian Noel.

At some point, someone in the family has to tell the truth.

A co-creation by Julian Noel and Martine Baanvinger.

"A masterclass in storytelling." Jackson Rosie

Raw. Funny. Confronting. Human.

Fresh from an award-winning season

• 10 award nominations at the Dunedin Fringe Festival and Nelson Fringe Festival , including Best Show
• Nominated for: Best Play, Best Actor, Best Script, Best Director
• Winner: Most Promising Māori Performer
• Winner: Best Script

One show only.

“Powerful, raw and deeply moving with moments of humour and relief.” Robynne Jephson

What this is

BONES is a one-man play drawn from real stories — the kind most families never speak aloud.

On a bare stage, Julian Noel shifts between characters, memories, and moments that shaped a life. An old woman. A pastor. A child. A boy trying to make sense of it all. And then, finally, himself.

There’s nowhere to hide.

"After 30 years away from the stage and performing I was writing a series of short stories. They decided to become a play. Who was I to say no?"

julian noel

This performance is a sharing for longstanding friends and fellow alumni of VCA School of Drama.

A note on content:

This work touches on family violence, sexual trauma, and inherited pain. It is told with care, and held with respect. What you’ll experience:

• Stories of family, identity, and inheritance
• Moments of humour that catch you off guard
• Deeply human truths, told without flinching
• A space that feels intimate, held, and real