Puppet Show Inspires at Pohangina Hall
Supported by MDC’s Event Fund, the circus and puppetry show ‘The Orange Box’ was held at Pohangina Hall last year, free of charge to the community.
As part of a nationwide tour, Arts on Tour NZ brought ‘The Orange Box’ by Naranjarte to the Manawatū District’s Pohangina Hall in September 2025. Naranjarte is a Spanish puppet and circus theatre company, founded by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar. Their show ‘The Orange Box’ tells the tale of a puppet stuck in a monotonous routine. One day at work, the puppet opens an orange box that opens their eyes to a journey of discovery and transformation. Through visual storytelling, puppetry, circus artistry and juggling, the mute performance provides an engaging and magical experience for families.
As recipients of MDC’s Event Fund, ‘The Orange Box’ show was free to attend at Pohangina Hall. By removing the financial barrier of ticket pricing, families were able to enjoy a fun evening with friends, whānau and the wider community without worry of expense. The audience ranged from grandparents to babies, with a total of 64 in attendance. Followed by a supper and Q&A session with the performers, the audience viewed the puppets up close and learnt the ‘behind the scenes’ magic. The feedback from the community was incredibly positive, with the hall’s visitor book reflecting praise from the audience - “I loved it”, “truly innovative and inspiring”, “super creative and spectacular”, “the way the actors bring the puppets to life is fantastic”.
MDC is proud to have supported Pohangina Hall through the Event Fund, bringing Naranjarte’s ‘The Orange Box’ performance to their community, free of charge. The event gave the rural community a chance to experience something creative and diverse, while also providing a valuable opportunity to connect and enjoy an act that many may not otherwise have the chance to see.
MDC’s Funding Rounds are now open for applications until late March, including the Event Fund. Get involved, explore the available funding schemes, and consider which funding rounds might best suit your projects. To learn more or apply for a fund, visit: Community Funding & Grants | Manawatū District Council
Photo description: The puppet pulling out the globe from the orange box.
Photo description: Ana Lorite performing with the puppet as it transforms.
Photo description: Ana Lorite performing with the puppet through the shadowbox.
Photo description: Sergio Aguilar juggling.