Black Grace Tackles Pacific Masculinity Head On

Media Release: For Immediate Release

BLACK GRACE TACKLES PACIFIC MASCULINITY HEAD ON

Photo credit: 'Crying Men'. Black Grace, Crying Men. Artistic Direction, Neil Ieremia. Photography, Duncan Cole.

Black Grace presents the premiere of

CRYING MEN

Dance by Neil Ieremia

Exploring masculinity through a Pacific lens, CRYING MEN is a vital new work choreographed by NZ icon and Arts Laureate Neil Ieremia. This richly textured conversation from cultural phenomenon Black Grace premieres in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world, for a strictly limited season from September 6.

Through dance, CRYING MEN traces the journey of three generations of Pacific men, living in a new land and dealing with the impact of the loss of a matriarch who brought balance to the traditional expectations of masculinity with compassion, tolerance and strength.

Utilising gesture, elements of traditional Pacific storytelling, song and dance, the production sees Ieremia collaborate with acclaimed Pacific playwright Victor Rodger for the first time. Rodger has created an original narrative framework which underpins the work. Black Grace has commissioned new music from hip-hop legends Matthew Faiumu Salapu aka Anonymouz and Andy Morton aka Submariner; their work will drive percussively powerful movement from an impressive cast of dancers and singers.

Ieremia was raised in a working-class neighbourhood in Porirua. Acknowledging his own narrative, he is touring Black Grace to Porirua to connect with the community. In September, Black Grace will collaborate with current dance students from Whitireia, students from local high schools, and massive youth strings orchestra Virtuoso Strings to present BLACK GRACE & FRIENDS. Taking over Te Rauparaha Arena on 20th – 21st September, this beast of a programme will also feature a significant excerpt from CRYING MEN.

CRYING MEN plays:

September 6-8 ASB Waterfront Theatre, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland Tickets: Ticket Prices

Single/ Groups 6+

Premium $69*/$59*

A Reserve $63*/$53*

B Reserve $55*/$45*

*booking fees apply Tickets available through www.asbwaterfronttheatre.co.nz or www.ticketmaster.co.nz from July 9

BLACK GRACE & FRIENDS plays:

20th -21st September

Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua

Tickets on-sale soon

© Scoop Media