Has 2019 been a good year in the performing arts? Te Matatini, the national Maori performing arts festival inspired kapa haka themed pedestrian crossing lights in Wellington, new festivals popped up everywhere, with Little Andromeda Christchurch finally has a fringe venue, the amount and type of new theatre seems to grow exponentially, and the New Zealand Dance Company and Black Grace Dance Company have not only survived but thrived. They've been touring in North America. But how has it been on the ground? Joining Mark Amery to discuss the year that was we have three experienced eyes. In Auckland A NZ Herald theatre critic, a director and dramaturg and the founder of Black Creatives Aotearoa: Dione Joseph. Musician, songwriter and creative organiser extraordinaire Tama Waipara is the director of the country's newest major arts festival Tairawhiti in Gisborne. And finally, a legendary dance practitioner who has worked over many years in dance and theatre and as a critic for the Dominion Post, Lyne Pringle.