Outstanding Māori theatre fuels creativity for drama students

This immersive theatre production from Taki Rua Productions was based on the Te Arawa kōrero of Hatupatu and the bird woman and combined breathtaking aerials, kapa haka and dance-theatre. Taki Rua Productions is one of the longest-running kaupapa Māori theatre companies in Aotearoa; producing and developing theatre works through a distinctively Māori lens and contributing to the narrative of theatre and te whare tapere.

The students were predominantly standing throughout the performance, and experienced the bird realm flying over their heads, creatures and warriors moving through them, and set pieces flying in from above and below the stage.

This outstanding piece of living art was unlike any theatre Macleans College students had experienced before. The actors, who spoke exclusively in te reo Maōri, demonstrated strong and committed physicality. The cast's storytelling and expression through dance, movement, and breath was captivating and made the emotions of the piece palpable. This coupled with amazing set, lighting, costume, soundscape and animations made for an unforgettable piece of theatre.