Catrina’s Blog
Catrina McHugh MBE is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Open Clasp Theatre Company.
A multi-award-winning playwright, she has dedicated her career to making theatre with women and young people on the margins of society. Her work gives voice to those often unheard, shaping stories into powerful productions that challenge injustice and create change.
In this blog, Catrina shares reflections from the rehearsal room, insights into her creative process, and the political and personal moments that fuel her writing. From behind-the-scenes glimpses to wider commentary on feminism, activism, and community, her posts offer a deeply personal look at the heart and craft of socially engaged theatre.
Guest Blog – Why Women in Prison Deserve Better
Why women in prison deserve better: reflections sparked by Rupture When I watched Rupture, more…
Review of year 2025
Our year began with a sprinkle of change, a new year, new jobs, babies and…
‘How do you create a narrative that is survivor led and not victim in its storytelling?’
I’ve ran workshops with Open Clasp for 26yrs and this is my happy place. Women…
One Year Ends and Another Begins
Auld Lang Syne ‘for old times sake’ referring to a shared past that underpins current…
After a Fall
I fell. It was the last day of a big moment here in Aotearoa New…
A Blog From a Special Place
Art work by Hana Rawhiti-Clarke The day before we leave Wellington we walk with one…
The Embassy Theatre – Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand
I was nervous, the theatre lush and art deco. The collective gather, Catherine and I…
Mycelial: What is it about?
We have just come back from London and there was feedback on the pitch of…
Mycelial Film tour, the story so far…
I’m talking to Carly and Ellie, our Senior Creative Producer and joint CEO. Both have…
The MAC and a Black Cat
I’m late with this blog as I’m having some health issues. This time three years…
Mycelial: End of an Era
The is the last blog in the series of blogs to celebrate 25yrs of Open…
Don’t Forget the Birds, Lasagna and Rupture
I’m writing blogs to celebrate 25yrs of Open Clasp, this is the penultimate last in…
World Environment Day 2024
We’ve been talking this morning, the team at Open Clasp – about World Environment Day,…
Legends – Key Change, Rattle Snake and Sugar
These blogs are to celebrate 25yrs, each one has been long because each production has…
Meeting Myself Coming Backwards
Swags & Tails, The Space Between Us and Jumping Puddles I’m writing blogs to celebrate…
Being Lesbian, Open Clasp and Me
I am writing blogs to celebrate 25yrs of Open Clasp work, collaborating with communities of…
Has Anything Changed?
Falling Knives & Runaround Wives, Stand ‘n’ Tan and Tonic After Her Death (AHD) could…
Rewind to After Her Death: 1998
Buster died suddenly last week; we had him for 10yrs. It was a huge shock,…