Darien Takle

Darien is a graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School (Bachelor of Performing Arts) Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts (Fine Arts Diploma) and Unitec (Celta and Tesol diplomas).

This is a significant year for Darien as she is celebrating 50 years in the business as an actress, singer, writer and director – and what better place to celebrate than at The Court Theatre with Mark Hadlow, performing in her eighth Roger Hall play! She is also excited to be working with director Kate-Louise Elliot for the first time.

Her previous Court Theatre credits include Darien Takle Sings Brecht; Gypsy; Daughters of Heaven; Midnight in Moscow; The Women and Uncle Vanya.

Her other theatre credits include the 1977 UK Godspell Tour (Cameron MacIntosh productions); Edith Piaf in Piaf (Theatre Corporate); Educating Rita; Eva Peron in Evita (Stetsons); Fantine in Les Misérables (Cameron MacIntosh Productions, Melbourne); The Witch in Into The Woods (Watershed Theatre); Mrs Sullivan in The Godboy; You Can Always Hand Them Back; Lysistrata (Auckland Theatre Company); Four Flat Whites in Italy (Auckland Theatre Company and Circa Theatre); Pink Hammer (Centrepoint Theatre and Tadpole Productions); Sally Bowles in Cabaret; Dorothy in Wizard of Oz; Cordelia in King Lear; Maria in Sound of Music (Mercury Theatre); Lady Macbeth & Gertrude in Macbeth (Shakespeare Alive). In England she has performed in The Country Wife; Jenusia; The Elephant Man and Songs for Lotte.

Darien’s television credits include Louise Carpenter in Possession; Cyrene, Xena’s Mother in Xena: Warrior Princess; Grundy's Australia; Both Sides of the Fence; 12 Bar Rhythm ’n Shoes; Burying Brian; 800 words; Shortland Street; Mercy Peak; Typhons People; Marlon Bay and Power Rangers.

Her film credits include The Ugly; The Lost Tribe; Deceit; A Song of Good; Heavenly Creatures; Christmas; Donuts for Breakfast; Bread and Roses; Hope and Joy; Manifesto; Sci-fi Betty and The Justice of Bunny King.
Darien’s solo shows include Songs for Lotte (a tribute to Lotte Lenya); Darien Takle Sings Brecht and Wings Over Water (about artist Frances Hodgkins).

Alternative theatre groups she’s been involved with include Elam Magic Show; Living Theatre Troupe; Amamus; HensTeeth Women’s comedy group and Paradise Mallard Productions.

Her awards include the AFTA Best Actress Film Award for her performance in Christmas (directed by Gregory King). She also has an album released called No Regrets.

Darien is a proud member of Actors Equity.