In a drama fit for the stage itself - a third of the board of New Zealand Opera has resigned.
The mass walkout is in apparent protest at the artistic direction of the company.
A letter from the Board chair on Tuesday confirmed directors Murray Shaw, Rachael Walkinton and Witi Ihimaera are stepping down.
The news comes almost two weeks after the Opera announced its newest production would be based on the saga of the so-called unruly tourists - a story which gripped the media in the summer of 2019.
Emma Hatton reports.
