George Parker

A critically-acclaimed actor, George performed with Free Theatre for over 20 years, managed the company for a decade until 2018 and served as co-producer for many of the company's celebrated work. A key figure in establishing the first arts-practice residency in the restored Arts Centre, The Gym, he helped develop the space to nurture contemporary performance in the new Christchurch. He has been involved in a number of post-earthquake initiatives in Christchurch, including: Arts Voice Christchurch (elected as founding member); initiating the Arts Circus Project; conceiving and then helping establish the Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA). His PhD, Actor Alone, explores solo performance in New Zealand and he has published on this and other subjects relating to New Zealand theatre and contemporary performance. His MA, Stripping Men, explores male striptease and its representation in popular theatre (Ladies Night) and film (The Full Monty). Alongside his work for Free Theatre George was a lecturer and tutor in the Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Canterbury. In 2018 he took up a role as Artistic Director of the Christchurch Arts Festival.

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Interview - George Parker from the Free Theatre on "Alice. 
RDU, 7 May 2018

​Free Theatre's George Parker
RDU, 30 September 2016 George Parker interviewed by James Dann

​Kafka's Amerika on RDU (Morning Glory)
14 October 2014 

​UBU Ubu Nights
Ubu (George Parker) interviewed by Rachel Morton on RDU, 3 September 2014

Canterbury Tales Tanya Muagututi'a and George Parker interviewed by Lynn Freeman
RNZ Arts on Sunday, 10 October 2013

Passion, Pulse and Power George Parker interviewed by Eva Radich, RadioNZ
 RNZ Upbeat. 12:15 pm on 7 December 2011 

'Arts on Sunday' (RadioNZ) interview, 2010 'The Christchurch Free Theatre'.
RNZ Arts on Sunday. 1:51 pm on 29 August 2010 George Parker interviewed by Sonia Yet

'Arts on Sunday' (RadioNZ) interview re '25th anniversary', 2008
RNZ Arts on Sunday. 2:25 pm on 18 May 2008 George Parker and Peter Falkenberg interviewed by Lynn Freeman