Kurawaka
1-2 October: 7.30pm
Body Festival Christchurch
Middleton Grange Performing Arts Centre
Haunting images inspired by the Māori creation story are interpreted through the multiple disciplines of Kapa Haka in
Auckland-based Hawaiki TŪ’s major new work entitled Kurawaka. The group are bringing selections from this work and other contemporary haka-theatre repertoire to perform at
Christchurch’s Body Festival on the 1st and 2nd of October at Middleton Grange Performing Arts Centre.
The Company is one of the rising stars in Auckland’s dance scene with every performance they give playing to sold-out
audiences. They are hoping to replicate this achievement in Christchurch where they plan to build on existing contacts
forged earlier this year.
Co-Artistic Director Kura Te Ua who established the Company in 2012 with Beez Ngarino Watt, says: “Hawaiki TŪ are
looking forward to sharing Kurawaka with audiences and whanau in Otautahi . The last time we were all there was to celebrate Te Matatini and this is a
wonderful way to return”.
A July review of the Company by dance critic Raewyn Whyte states: “Presented with pride and polish, confident movement,
bursts of poi and crisp mau rakau exchanges, with heartfelt solo and full-throated ensemble singing, and with distinct
characterisation of the key roles, the production achieved full houses”.
(http://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=8328)
Hawaiki TU’s point of difference is that they are presenting authentic kapa haka in a contemporary manner combining the
arts of karakia, waiata, taonga puoro, traditional movement and mau rākau with vibrant cinematic imagery and lighting
effects to set the scene.
ENDS