09/04/2026

Helen Clark In 6 Outfits – ASB Waterfront Theatre: April 7, 2026 (13th Floor Theatre Review)

Helen Clark in 6 Outfits: this is her journey from Waikato farm girl to the first elected woman Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her tenure as PM was to last three terms in office from 1999 to 2008. And, after that, onwards and upwards to the United Nations.

The play is a portrait of the political and personal battles she experienced over fifty odd years. It is presented as a ‘double act’ with Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand playing the older Helen Clark while Lauren Gibson represents her younger self.

We see the young Helen Clark as a feisty individualist locking horns with her parents and fiercely independent. In politics there are battles where her own values are compromised by party political expectations. Many of her battles, however, are outside political achievement and have to do with personal choices relating to appearance, marriage and motherhood, areas which came under constant media scrutiny and predictable judgement.

She encountered many of the systemic barriers that women leaders have come up against in politics, barriers that have often curtailed their advancement. But hers was a reign characterised by ambition, conviction and determination which accounted for the distinct choices she was to make.

And that’s where ‘the outfits’ in the title come in… the wardrobe feature that underpins the narrative. We see Clark in farm girl attire, in hiking gear, and in the red power suit. The choice of outfits is by no means casual but a very deliberate statement on personal identity and strategy at the same time. Along with image went the need to show who was in charge!

Fiona Samuels’ dialogue is snappy and especially hilarious when the two Clark selves spar with each other. Both cast members give excellent performances and adeptly take on the roles of a myriad of supporting characters. Special kudos is reserved for Ward-Lealand who reproduces the Clark mannerisms expertly with her steely stares and assertive delivery in boomy alto tones.

This is a very stylish production. The set comprises a vertical staircase which is used to represent mountain climbing and ascent and, against which, images are often back projected. An original musical score is used played by a chamber ensemble and complemented by an arresting audio soundscape.

My verdict: highly recommended.

BOCCACCIO

P.S. Two decades have rolled by since Helen Clark’s tenure. From what we know about the journeys of successive woman leaders, the barriers that they have to wrestle with are just as strong as ever. Sobering thought!

Helen Clark in 6 Outfits by Fiona Samuels, ASB Waterfront Theatre, April 7-26

Directed by Sophie Roberts

Photo credits Abhi Chinniah, Andi Crown & Rachel Sung