Bruce Mason

Bruce Edward George Mason CBE (28 September 1921 – 31 December 1982) was a significant playwright in New Zealand who wrote 34 plays and influenced the cultural landscape of the country through his contribution to theatre.

[1] The Bruce Mason Playwriting Award, one of the most important playwrighting accolades in New Zealand, is named in his honour.

The Pohutukawa Tree was Mason's first major success and explored Māori and Pākehā themes, a common thread in most of his works.

Theatre was an avenue for Mason to highlight social and political issues in New Zealand society.

Published in 1987 was The Healing Arch, a cycle of five plays, including The Pohutukawa Tree and Hongi, which focus on Māori culture post European contact.

[1] He edited the Māori news magazine Te Ao Hou (1960–1961), a culturally significant publication.

[1] In 1977, Mason was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree by Victoria University of Wellington.

[5] In the 1980 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to literature and the arts.

The Bruce Mason Centre, a major arts and theatre venue in Auckland is also named after him.

The Promenade Cafe displays Bruce Mason memorabilia, including his original desk and typewriter.

[7] In 2009, The Pohutukawa Tree was staged by Auckland Theatre Company, directed by Colin McColl and starring Rena Owen and Stuart Devenie.

The Bruce Mason Playwriting Award has been running since 1983 currently managed by Playmarket, the FAME Trust (Fund for Acting and Musical Endeavours) and Downstage Theatre Society to award an annual $10,000 to an outstanding emerging New Zealand playwright.

[8] Previous winners include several celebrated writers from New Zealand including Hone Kouka, Briar Grace-Smith, Jo Randerson, Victor Rodger, Arthur Meek, Sam Brooks and Mīria George.