This month we kick off our Auckland Arts Festival podcast, Intermission. Join us every Friday as we meet the artists and tackle some knotty questions: are dance writers doing their job? Is colourblind casting ever okay? And can theatre save the world (or, at least, a few people in it)?

Episode 4: Colourblind casting

In the fourth and final episode, we take in the semi-staged opera Nixon In China with Alice Canton and Alex Taylor and ask the question; is colourblind casting ever okay? And if it is, where do we draw the line?

We also speak to the president of the Cantonese Opera Society, Audrey Chan, and feature an interview with tenor Simon O'Neill, who is playing the role of Chairman Mao.

Episode 3: What we talk about when we talk about dance

We talk to Jahra Rager Wasasala, Malia Johnson and Taane Mete about their worst reviews; choreographer Moss Patterson about how he communicates what's in his brain, and Carrie Rae Cunningham and Chris Parker about whether dance reviewers in New Zealand are doing their job.

Episode 2: Can theatre save the world?

We talk to playwright and director Jamie McCaskill and actress Kali Kopae about their solo show Not in Our Neighbourhood, a documentary play based on the year they spent working at Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki (Hauraki Women's Refuge).

Plus: Leonie Hayden (Mana magazine) and Charlotte Moore (Waitakere Anti-Violence Essential Services) discuss the play, and how the system is failing characters like those portrayed in the show.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Where to get help

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual or psychological.

Nobody has the right to assault another person. Nobody is allowed to have sexual contact with another person without permission. Nobody has the right to use intimidation, threats or mind games to gain power over another person.

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 111.

If you need advice or help in a crisis, call Women's Refuge on 0800 733 843 for free, any time. For a ful list of domestic violence programme providers, see here.

For longer-term and ongoing protection from a violent person that can be enforced by law, you can apply to the Family Court for a Protection Order. If children are involved you can also apply for anurgent Parenting Order (without notice). The Police can issue a Police Safety Order if they think you're at risk from violence.

Episode 1: Our picks for the Festival

Justin Gregory, Sam Brooks and Rosabel Tan discuss their picks for the Festival, including Not in Our Neighbourhood, the James Plays, The Chorus, Meow Meow and Tar Baby.

This podcast is brought to you in association with RNZ with your hosts, Rosabel Tan and Justin Gregory.

Theme music: ‘Francoise Hardy’ by Carnivorous Plant Society.