I Didn’t Invite You Here to Lecture Me is the latest production by Artsense Productions and its script is apparently based on real things said by university lecturers and heard by writer Amy Mansfield over many years of study.
And, the show really did feel convey a feeling of being in a lecture theatre with a large projection screen at the back of the stage and a lectern provided.
The show is essentially a series of snippets from subjects as varied as
Set up like a lecture theatre – large projection screen and a lecture law, Anglo-Irish literature, Music, German, linguistics to name a few. Mika Austin is the solo star of the show and creates different characters for each subject replete with their own particular voice, accent and mannerisms. Although she had the same outfit and hairstyle, some characters wore glasses and others did not.
Austin is a talented actress and managed to pull of these rapid fire transitions between characters and subjects with admirable flair. There were some very funny moments and pithy observations about politics, gender dynamics, feminism, love, sex and death. The script was intelligent and sharp.
The rapid nature of the delivery also meant one had to concentrate quite hard on what was being said and how it related to the themes being explored and each of the characters in turn. I found that a little wearying after a while.
All up this was an interesting and though provoking show, but it was a little odd to me. I liked the concept and Austin’s versatility but over the 55 minute duration it began to sound more like a lecture and the laughs diminished. That’s not to say that it wasn’t on point or interesting, but the subject matter became more cerebral and less funny.
I DIDNT INVITE YOU HERE TO LECTURE ME
21-24 May 2025
Q Theatre – Auckland
