Massive Mangere centre opening | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Mangere will get a shot in the arm with the opening of a new arts centre. Sharu Delilkan previews the first show.

The greatly anticipated Mangere Arts Centre is finally opening.  "It's great being one of the first people to perform there," says Massive South Ensemble's Beulah Koale of Otara, "almost like how Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon."

Fellow performer Jake Tupu, of Clendon, is equally excited.

"It's great to be performing in a venue where we'll be doing shows eventually."

The opening this Friday by Manukau Mayor Len Brown introduces a weekend of free entertainment that includes comedy from the Kila Kokonut Krew, dance by MBrace Pacific Dance and Mangere College, music from Grace Ikenasio, Moana Ete, DJ Algoodie and others.

Massive Company, which runs the Massive South Ensemble and staged The Sons of Charlie Paora set in a Mangere garage.

They'll present a montage of linked pieces created by Massive South Ensemble, first performed at Otara Music Arts Centre, and now for the opening of the Mangere Centre. These range from solo stories exploring elements of the group's lives - their families, their origins, struggles, celebrations and challenges - to high energy group pieces.

The highlight for Koale and Tupu is their basketball piece. "It's really physical, like most of our work," says Koale with a chuckle. "Working with [well known theatre director] Sam Scott, our movement can't be normal, it's gotta be like Brad Pitt throwing the ball."

Mangere Arts Centre opening weekend, Sept 4-5. Details, see www.manukau.govt.nz/mangereartscentre

Massive South Ensemble free workshops, Sept 27-Oct 1. Details, see www.massivecompany.co.nz