The Golden Ass is an Ancient Roman story about Lucius, a young man obsessed by magic who meets various people and then accidentally turns himself in to a donkey when a spell he tries goes awry. After many misadventures, he appeals to the goddess Isis to help him become human again.
It is a fascinating story and is currently playing as a one-man show at The Pumphouse Theatre in Auckland starring Michael Hurst who also adapted the play for our modern times.
It is a very clever, witty, and at times bawdy production full of energy with plenty of social commentary and philosophy thrown in. Often quite tongue in cheek, the play doesn’t shy away from the social mores and very sexual nature of Roman society.
Part of Hurst’s adaptation includes adding modern references and description such as texting and plastic cups which make the play relatable and add a comedic edge. This also serves to highlight the fact that though this story is around 2,000 years old, human human nature with all it’s frailty, ego, and superstition hasn’t really changed that much. .
Hurst is a gifted actor and gives great performances be they on screen or on stage. Yet there is something extra special about seeing him perform a solo show live, particularly when it is a classic such as An Iliad or in this case The Golden Ass. Cut loose from the usual structure of a three-act play Hurst is chameleon like, morphing effortlessly between characters and accents and he brings such depth and complexity to the piece. He is a master storyteller.
A perfect example of that in The Golden Ass was a thrilling scene depicting of a witch entering a bedroom in the middle of the night. Hurst’s invocation of the moment while also providing the sound effect of a creaky door opening was extraordinary.
In a similar vein, Lucius’ transformation into a, somewhat well-hung donkey was delivered superbly. The donkey costume was very simple, almost farcical even, but the mannerisms and sounds Hurst bought forth created a perfect illusion.
The Golden Ass is an electrifying and compelling classic full of pathos, joy, and humour that must not be missed.
THE GOLDEN ASS
15-21 June 2025
The Pumphouse Theatre
