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A system on trial: Prima Facie delivers a powerful reckoning

On 24 March 2026, The Lyric Theatre in Granity presented Prima Facie, the internationally acclaimed play by Suzie Miller, in a production directed by New Zealand theatre royalty Michael Hurst. A formidable one-woman work, it demands both technical virtuosity and emotional endurance - and in Cassandra Woodhouse’s hands, it became an arresting, finely calibrated piece of theatre.
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At its core, Prima Facie follows a criminal defence barrister whose faith in the legal system is profoundly destabilised. Miller’s script is renowned for its incisive interrogation of legal frameworks surrounding sexual assault, requiring the performer to navigate rapid tonal shifts, multiple characterisations, and a steadily intensifying psychological trajectory. Under Hurst’s assured direction, these elements were rendered with clarity and control, allowing the narrative to unfold with precision while never losing emotional momentum. Woodhouse’s performance was disciplined yet fluid, balancing technical command with a deeply human vulnerability. Her ability to sustain tension across a continuous 90-minute solo performance spoke to both stamina and craft of the highest order.
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Audience response was emphatic. Reviewers repeatedly described Woodhouse’s work as “superb” and “exceptional,” highlighting her “skill, talent and feeling” alongside the sheer endurance required for such a demanding role. The performance was widely regarded as “realistic, honest and powerful,” with many noting how she remained wholly engaging throughout. For several attendees, the production exceeded expectations, emerging as something “much more than advertised” - a confronting yet vital statement on the darker contours of human experience. There was also a strong sense of gratitude expressed toward The Lyric Theatre, with audiences acknowledging the rarity and privilege of witnessing a performer of this calibre in Northern Buller.

This level of access is made possible through the work of Arts On Tour NZ, a community-focused touring agency with extensive professional expertise. As New Zealand’s pre-eminent facilitator of performing arts in rural and outlying regions - including Stewart Island - the organisation provides curated, high-quality productions alongside promotional support and tour management. Their involvement ensures that works of international standing, such as Prima Facie, are not confined to metropolitan centres but reach communities like Granity with full professional integrity.
The production was further supported by ticketing services from the NBS Theatre Westport Box Office, enabling broader regional access and offering audiences beyond Granity a reliable pathway to attend. This service contributed to both the reach and credibility of the event.

In totality, this staging of Prima Facie was a compelling convergence of world-class writing, expert direction, and an exceptional solo performance. It stood as a rigorous, affecting piece of theatre, delivered with precision, received with enthusiasm, and emblematic of the cultural value that thoughtful touring partnerships can bring to regional communities.
Thanks to:
Arts on Tour NZ Trust, Cassandra, Zara, Sande, Annie, Wilma, Emma, Carlos, Karin and NBS Theatre.
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