Arts on Tour & OSPA invite you to step into the magical realm of The Orange Box
Wednesday 1st October at 7pm
OSPA Theatre, Hall Road, Onewhero
Adults $25, Kids $15 (School aged)
The Orange Box is the creation of Naranjarte, an extraordinary Spanish puppet theatre and circus company founded by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar in 2011. The production will be performed in 20 small towns throughout the South and North Islands
and will delight children and adults alike.
Renowned for its unique fusion of puppetry and juggling, Naranjarte’s performances aren’t just shows; they are immersive journeys challenging perceptions and transporting audiences to realms of wonder and delight.
“The Orange Box” is a visually captivating story featuring handmade puppets, mesmerizing juggling, and enchanting circus artistry. Blending diverse puppetry styles with different types of juggling, the story follows a paper puppet stuck in the routine of a packaging office. When a
map and a mysterious box appear, they spark his longing for change and set him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Beyond entertainment, the show carries a deeper message, inviting us to step outside the box, where true magic unfolds. Join this one-of-a-kind adventure that transcends the ordinary and opens the door to the extraordinary.
At the end of the show, there will be a short Q&A session where the audience can get up close to some of the puppets and ask questions about the creative process and the company’s journey.
Naranjarte – Background
Naranjarte is a Spanish puppet theatre and circus company founded by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar in 2011. Known for their dynamic fusion of puppetry and circus, they toured globally from 2017 to 2020, performing over 250 shows in 14 countries. Their educational project,
Puppets and Circus: A Trip Around the World’s Schools, brought immersive performances and meaningful cultural exchange to diverse communities.
Based in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2020, they continue to share their work with audiences and learners across the country. Naranjarte also tours internationally, especially in Europe, where they enjoy reconnecting with the vibrant arts scenes of their home cultures. Their
productions blend puppetry, juggling, and theatrical illusion, exploring themes of transformation, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams.
Sergio is the co-creator of Naranjarte and a professional juggler with over 20 years of experience. Trained at Carampa Circus School in Madrid, he specialises in contact juggling, poi, staff, diabolo, and buugeng. He also completed a year-long clown training with Gené and Chame in Madrid. Sergio performed in Wonderkind by Wonderlight Theatre Aotearoa and was part of Capital E’s “Bite-Size Treats” (2023).
Ana is the co-creator of Naranjarte and the maker of all its handcrafted puppets. A professional puppeteer with a Master’s -level Diploma in Puppetry (UK) and drama training from Cuarta Pared School (Madrid), she is also a qualified and registered teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. Ana has performed with Wonderlight Theatre at Circa Theatre (2022) and Capital E’s “Bite-Size Treats” (2023). She currently serves as General Secretary of UNIMA Aotearoa New Zealand, the local branch of the international puppetry organisation affiliated with UNESCO.
“The success of ‘The Orange Box’, evidenced by the necessity for an additional performance due to the sold-out performance, highlighted the community’s enthusiastic response and the positive impact such events have on enriching our local cultural landscape.”
– Teresa Wakelin, General Manager, Kerikeri Theatre Company
“Puppets made of basic elements. The pace was delightful. You are artists, thank you for sharing your art with our community. – Incredibly inspiring. Wow. Moving too. They teach so many good values. The way to creative success. Hopes and dreams are possible. Persistence and following what you love, then perfecting it. Incredible. I’m blown away.” – Feedback on Author Questionnaire after a performance of The Orange Box and Q&A.
Tickets