The Tantrum

— happening now!

— being created!

— coming soon!

9-28 March 2026

TISA Schools Tour, Auckland, Whangārei

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What happens when the big wide world gets a bit too big? The Tantrum is a playful and powerful performance for young children about emotions that bubble over. Java Dance Theatre’s signature mix of interactive dance, live music and imaginative storytelling takes tamariki on a whirlwind adventure. From cosy homes to wild worlds, the show explores the messy, marvellous and sometimes overwhelming journey of growing up and feeling everything all at once. Inspired by lounge games, labyrinths and those tricky toddler moments, The Tantrum invites children to laugh, move and make sense of those BIG feelings together. The Tantrum was researched through a Creative in Schools Residency with 100 five year olds at Cashmere Ave School. Premiered in 2022 for the Capital E National Theatre for Children, The Tantrum has Toured to Taranaki Arts Festival's Winterfest, South Island Schools and We The Young Festival with Auckland Live. In 2026 The Tantrum tours to North Island Schools with TISA before touring Australia in 2027. The Tantrum was a finialist for Production of the Year at the 2025 PAYPA Awards and is represented by Nicholas Clarke Management. Ngā mihi to Creative NZ and PANNZ for supporting this show.

Performance & credits:

Choreography by Sacha Copland, Production Design by Asha Barr, Music by Tristan Carter, Lighting Design by Janis Cheng, Cast and Creators Ella Williams and Bjorn Aslund. Commissioned by the Capital E National Theatre for Children

Honest conversation reviews:

“I have never really seen anything like it before; the connection with the audience was electric.”

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Sameena Zehra

"Somewhere between standup comedy, a physical competition, an intergenerational back-and-forth and a celebration of mauri / life force."

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Audience member

"The audience loved it, the terrain of the conversation and the honesty exhibited was compelling."

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Theatreview

“a truly inspirational piece of dance theatre relatable to kids and parents alike, delighting and grounding us”

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Nicole Chesterman Kircher, Theatreview

“…it was just FUNNY!”

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7 year old boy in audience

“Joyous trickery, humour and gentleness”

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Nicole Chesterman Kircher, Theatreview

“Choreographer Sacha Copland brings to life an adventure playground that deals with big emotions”

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Nicole Chesterman Kircher, Theatreview

"This show of complete wonder held the attention of every child and adult in the audience.”

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Nicole Chesterman Kircher, Theatreview

“Compelling and delightfully entertaining for all ages”

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Theatreview

"Asha Barr has done a sterling job on the production design"

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Theatreview

"An authentic and sophisticated understanding of how to connect with a younger audience."

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Theatreview

"This brilliant use of space is a clever way to evoke the terrain of the psyche."

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Theatreview

"The little people in the audience were enthralled"

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Theatreview