Te Houhi; The people and the land are one
“...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, STAMP at THE EDGE, Toi Maori Aotearoa, British Council, Real New Zealand Festival, DANZ and @URL
Member Profile
Atamira Dance CompanyATAMIRA is New Zealand’s leading Maori Contemporary dance company and comprises New Zealand’s top Maori dancers and choreographers. Atamira Dance Company create professional dance works inspired by Aotearoa’s history, legends and contemporary issues; drawing from their own personal stories and whakapapa. Critically acclaimed, the company is renowned for their inventive and stunning pieces.
We are passionate about sharing our stories, and asserting the unique and important voice Maori have in New Zealand. We create dance work that reflects these values, and contributes to the collective voice of contemporary Maori art.
Founded in 2000 as a platform for Maori choreographers and dancers, Atamira is a project-based contemporary dance company. Atamira strives for innovation and experimentation in contemporary dance and choreography, whilst respecting our cultural heritage.
ATAMIRA Dance Company is an Auckland based company, with members having tribal connections right around New Zealand. This diversity is also reflected in the individual strengths each performer brings to the collective.
We actively incorporate other art forms into our choreographic work, and collaborate with many artists on all of our dance projects. The literal meaning of the word Atamira is "stage", a deeper meaning behind Atamira relates traditionally to the platform for the dead body, and the process of caring for those who have died.
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Check out this Herald article, featuring choreographer Maaka Pepene
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&ob...