Backch@t - First Episode

Backch@t was an award-winning magazine-style culture show. The first episode comes out guns blazing with a panel debate about Tania Kovats's controversial artwork 'Virgin in a Condom'. The sculpture caused national upset when it was exhibited at Te Papa in 1998 in a collection of new British art. Managing to keep a panel discussion convivial rather than confrontational, presenter Bill Ralston handles the catholic debate with aplomb. Other features include the Royal New Zealand Ballet touring the provinces, Wellington's International Arts Festival, and Chris Knox reviewing John Sayles movie Passion Fish. 

I think a large city, to a certain degree, takes advantage of the fact that we're there all the time and they can come and see us anytime they want to; whereas the small towns are very appreciative of what we're doing...

– Dancer Shannon Dawson, on touring ballet to small-town New Zealand

Key Cast & Crew

Gordon Harcourt

Producer

Mark Crysell

Reporter

Bert Aldridge

Story Director and Research

Bill Ralston

Presenter

Chris Knox

Film Reviewer

Miriama Kamo

Reporter