Chinese Classic a Favourite with Maori Viewers

Friday July 12, 2013

Te Reo Version of Chinese Classic a Favourite with Maori Viewers

One hundred per cent te reo drama JOURNEY TO THE WEST was one of the favourite programmes on Maori Television during Maori Language Week.

The fantasy adventure drama is based on the classic Chinese novel, Monkey King, and has been dubbed in te reo for Maori Television by Kiwa Media.

Maori Television general manager of programming Haunui Royal says the show, which airs on Saturday evenings, was the most popular programme for the channel’s Maori audience during Maori Language Week. It was also the fifth highest-rating show overall for the same period.

Mr Royal says it is wonderful to see viewers embracing the project, which is “an example of the widening context in which the Maori language is being used and valued”.

“This is a winner on so many levels,’ he says. “It’s great for our translators and Maori voice actors and a testament to the work of Kiwa Media. We are really pleased that Maori are tuning in.”

Journey to the West is a fantasy drama set in China during the 16th century Ming Dynasty. It tells the tale of The Monkey King who was born from a heavenly stone and who acquires super natural powers.

After rebelling against heaven and being imprisoned under a mountain for 500 years, he later accompanies three other disciples on a journey to India and, according to legend, brings back Buddhism to ancient China.

JOURNEY TO THE WEST screens after the Whanau Movie every Saturday on Maori Television. For those who missed the first round, repeats are now screening every Tuesday at 7.30pm and are available for catch up at www.maoritelevision.com.

ENDS

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