
21st - 25th September, Q Theatre, Auckland "...mastery of singular images [...] told from the heart [...] mesmeric, powerful and moving." Francesca Horsley, NZ Listener on Atamira Dance Company's Ngai Tahu 32 Te Houhi celebrates the tribal history of choreographer Maaka Pepene whose ancestors the Tuhoe people provided refuge to Maori prophet and freedom fighter Te Kooti in the 1800s and were consequently evicted from their land and prevented from taking their Wharenui with them. In 1908 the government agree to return the Wharenui to its rightful owners and offer to transport it from Te Houhi to Waiohou. However, in an act symbolising the spirit and political defiance characteristic of Ngai Tuhoe, they choose to carry their sacred building several miles by hand to a new settlement, reclaiming with it their faith in each other, their land, and Te Kooti. Atamira Dance Company and Maaka Pepene in association with STAMP at THE EDGE bring this poignant story to life, with audio visuals by Tuia award winner, Louise Potiki Bryant, music score by Pitch Black musician, Paddy Free and lighting design by Vanda Karolczak. Te Houhi explores the hope and unity of those who are affected by injustices common to Maori during colonisation that continue to this day and captures the spirit of a people who are at one with their land. Proudly supported by: Creative New Zealand, ASB Community Trust, Auckland Council, Toi Maori Aotearoa, British Council, Real New Zealand Festival, DANZ and @URL <b>...</b>
Te Houhi
Atamira Dance Company
Louise Potiki Bryant