"To achieve such a high standard of production working with new and complex material, the Free Theatre workshops new scripts with an intensity that is unusual in New Zealand. The results are exciting and unique."

- Christoph Muecher, Director, Goethe-Institut New Zealand

"For over quarter of a century Free Theatre has refined cultural horizons and shaped Christchurch's perceptions of contemporary theatre."

- Chris Moore, Arts Editor, The Press

"Free Theatre holds a unique place in the arts culture that is an integral part of the best that Christchurch and New Zealand has to offer in terms of theatre experiences. They create annual workshops and performances that are also used to inform the study of many theatre and film students based in the South Island. They have international connections with the performance world and use this to their advantage."

- Te Rita Papesch, Chair, Kanohi Kitea Trust

"Christchurch is well served by this young and innovative theatre company which presents challenges to its audiences through the material and manner in which it is presented. We need these kinds of boundary-breaking groups to keep the local arts culture stimulated and forward-thinking. There is no doubt that the works Free Theatre undertake are always done with great deliberation and from a rigorous intellectual base. The cast's professional approach sees them achieving laudable standards."

- Brendon Burns, Member of Parliament, Christchurch Central Electorate

"I'm writing in support of the theatre troupe, Free Theatre Christchurch. I became familiar with their exquisite work during my fellowship stay at the Canterbury University in New Zealand. In particular their FAUST CHROMA made a lasting impact on me since the entire team has achieved in this production a rare level of expressive poetry on stage. In my opinion their magnificent work should be seen worldwide - such an innovative and, at the same time, professional theatrical work is a rare and remarkable feat."

- Lech Majewski, Director/Producer. www.lechmajewski.com

"No other theatre company in Christchurch, and quite possibly New Zealand, has so consistently shown the intellectual vigour and creative daring of this group. Productions are always topical, original and ingenious, provocative and daringly different from those delivered by the mainstream companies and groups in Christchurch and in the wider New Zealand theatre context. This originality and creativity applies alike to stage design and construction, direction, scripting, and acting, which itself is invariably very much about interacting with the audience, whether in the theatre or the street or the shopping mall."

- Ross and Lorraine Gray, long-time patrons of Free Theatre Christchurch.

The Free Theatre is a hugely important company with a long and impressive history. In many respects it is unique in New Zealand. While it has had a particular importance for Christchurch, its contribution to innovative drama is of national significance. Many talented people have passed through its productions, and they have carried its influence to other parts of the country. With this in mind I recently flew down to Wellington to see their latest production Distraction Camp which had a season at Bats Theatre in September (2010). I was again impressed by the professionalism and innovation of this production. That Free Theatre has managed to exist for so long, and continues to be cutting-edge in its spirit of experimentation, is a credit to the work of Peter Falkenberg, the originator of the company, and to the loyal teams of actors he has inspired.

- Shirley Horrocks, Film Director
Point of View Productions

The Free Theatre under Peter's creative leadership has developed and consolidated into an internationally recognized group of theatre practitioners and researchers who are consistently at the forefront of the discipline's development. The rigorous testing out of ideas, of stretching the borders of the genre, a strong commitment to engaging the audience's mind and senses make the Free Theatre an important player in the international landscape of independent theatre companies.

- Prof. Dr. Thea Brejzek Program Director, Doctorate Program Scenography, Zurich University of the Arts