Audio from the launch of the touring Topp Twins exhibition, held at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington on Monday 26 March 2018. The exhibition runs from the 27 March 2018 - 22 September 2018. The original exhibition was shown at Te Manawa Museum in 2017 and was curated by Sian Torrington. A special thank you to the National Library for allowing us to record and share this event.
Summary
On March 26, 2018, the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington hosted the launch of a travelling exhibition, "The Topp Twins: An Exhibition for New Zealand." The event celebrated the impact of Jools and Lynda Topp, iconic Kiwi entertainers and musicians, known together as the Topp Twins, on the social, cultural, and political scenes of New Zealand.
Notable guests at the event included the Prime Minister of New Zealand, MPs, a former Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. The exhibition, which was initiated at Te Manawa Museum, aimed to highlight the Topp Twins' significant milestones and their presence at the forefront of various social movements, including LGBTQ+ rights and the anti-nuclear campaign.
Bill Macnaught, the National Librarian, warmly welcomed attendees, emphasizing the timeliness of the exhibition given that it is the 60th birthday of the Topp Twins and also the year celebrating 125 years since New Zealand women earned the right to vote. In addition to the showcase, the audience was invited to view related items such as the 1893 suffrage petition signature list.
Andy Lowe represented Te Manawa Museum, proudly recounting the journey of pulling together the exhibition. Spanning over eight years of planning and collaboration, the exhibition encapsulates how the Topp Twins contributed to pivotal moments in New Zealand's history, from protesting against apartheid to advocating for LGBTQ+ and indigenous rights. The sisters were praised for their authentic New Zealand humor and for being symbols of unity across diverse communities.
The celebration continued with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressing personal admiration for the Topp Twins, recounting childhood memories of them and their activism. Ardern shared an amusing anecdote about buying the Topp Twins' caravan, further humanizing the performers and highlighting their legacy as part of Kiwi culture.
Lynda and Jools Topp, the stars of the evening, humbly took the stage, sharing gratitude for their parents, their team, and fans who have supported them throughout their career. They touched upon their farming roots and how they've remained true to themselves. Notably, Lynda mentioned Jools' health battle with cancer, tying it to broader environmental concerns and advocating for a poison-free New Zealand.
The Topp Twins addressed the audience with a mix of humor and thoughtful commentary, underscoring that their success and the importance of the exhibition are a shared journey with all New Zealanders. The event encapsulated a sense of community spirit and the collective pride in two women who have used their platform to entertain, provoke thought, and induce change.
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Tags
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