Mic Drop brings hip-hop and theatre together at Wellington Fringe

A fresh and dynamic hip-hop musical Mic Drop debuted at the 2025 Wellington Fringe Festival on Wednesday.

Creative digital company Woven Productions presented a story following three high schoolers determined to conquer the Wellington rap scene, blending music, theatre, and comedy into a high-energy experience.

The team first premiered Mic Drop as a 30-minute script reading at Toi Whakaari’s Festival of Work in Development (FWD), in August 2024.

With encouragement from production and stage manager Amanda Jo, they expanded the show into a fully developed Fringe production.

Co-creator Ayush Aditya draws on personal experience for the project.

“I come from West Auckland, shout out Massey,” he shares with Tofiga Fepuleai 531pi’s Island Time.

Growing up in a diverse Pacific and South Asian family with links to Fiji, India, Tonga, Sāmoa, and Māori, he has developed a love for hip-hop early.

“Me and my cousins on a Saturday night…listening to Tupac, trying to do our own raps.”

Aditya combines his passion for music and theatre to bring Mic Drop to life.

Marcus Savelio, who studied film at Unitec, says he discovered his love for hip-hop through dance.

“I was surrounded by lots of young creatives…some of the people in my crew loved to rap.”

Originally a high school media project, Mic Drop transformed into a stage production when Aditya introduced Savelio to the theatre world.

Creative NZ, Wellington City Council, and Asics Westgate - the outlet store where Aditya and Savelio met - are avid supporters of the show.

Family, friends, and donors also contributed to the crew’s Boosted crowdfunding campaign, helping to bring their creative vision to the stage.

The creators promise an energetic and immersive experience.

“I want people's hearts to kind of be connected to these characters,” Marcus explains.

Aditya adds, “I just want the audience to have fun…so much laughter and things coming at you.”

With a talented cast and crew, including music producer Alfrum Head and lighting designer William Kelly, Mic Drop delivers a fast-paced, entertaining, and heartfelt show.

Mic Drop runs from 19 to 22 February, with tickets available at wellingtonfringe.co.nz.