Te Houhi; The people and the land are one
Te Houhi is inspired by the astonishing events from the tribal history of choreographer Maaka Pepene. A turbulent time in New Zealand’s history will be retold and the empowering story will chill, captivate and inspire audiences from September 21 at Q.
Atamira Dance Company is thrilled to bring their first full length dance work in three years to life at Q. Te Houhi explores the hope and unity of people who are affected by injustices common to Maori during colonisation.
The work is based around the historical event that saw 14,000 acres of prime land fraudulently acquired by two Pakeha in the late 1800’s, which resulted in the eviction of the local people. Te Houhi will also explore the Ringatu faith and thus Te Kooti, the Maori prophet.
Deep in the misty Urewera ranges Te Kooti, Maori prophet and freedom fighter finds refuge from government pursuit in the Tuhoe people. Labeled rebels for harboring Te Kooti, land confiscation, Scorched Earth military tactics, and war ensue leaving Tuhoe land and people tragically ravaged and dispossessed.
When evicted from their land in the 1800’s the Tuhoe people were prevented from taking their Wharenui, it was inlaid with early Maori figurative art, and central to the Ringatu faith which was precious to the hearts of the people. The Wharenui was turned into a school house and shearing shed.
In 1908 the government intervened and agreed to return the Wharenui to its rightful owners. The government offered to pay for the transportation of the Whare from Te Houhi to Waiohou, however the people declined and in a poignant act symbolising the spirit and political defiance characteristic of Ngai Tuhoe, they carried their sacred building several miles by hand to a new settlement, reclaiming with it their faith in each other, their land, and Te Kooti.
Maaka Pepene, ex NZ Army soldier and of Tuhoe descent, will bring this poignant story to life, with audio visuals by Louise Potiki Bryant (Tuia award winner), music score by Paddy Free( Pitch Black) & lighting design by Vanda Karolczak. Te Houhi will capture the spirit of the Urewera mountains where ‘lightening comes to play, Taniwha roam, and waterfalls speak’.
This star studded design team will be joined by international sound collaborator Stephen Hussey(Urban Soul Orchestra, UK), renowned set designer John Verryt and costume designer Marama Lloydd. An incredible team of dancers Taiaroa Royal, Taane Mete, Jack Gray, Kelly Nash, Jason Moore and Justine Hohaia with choreographic mentor Michael Parmenter.
This new dance work will also reference more recent contemporary issues surrounding the Tuhoe people and their particular relationship to the crown and the CNI land agreement involving Tuhoe and other central north island iwi.
During the Rugby World Cup and as part of the REAL NZ Festival Te Houhi headlines ‘The Q Season of Maori Dance and Theatre’, alongside Tawata Productions and Taki Rua Theatre.
TE HOUHI
21-25 September, 8pm
Q, 305 Queen Street (Beside the Town Hall)
Book at www.QTheatre.co.nz PH: 093099771
Tickets $25 - $35 (transaction fee will apply)
Atamira Dance Company - Te Houhi trailer by Louise Potiki Bryant
In association with STAMP at THE EDGE
STRENGTH, UNITY, HOPE & HARDSHIP WILL MOVE & IGNITE Q
For publicity queries please contact:
Elephant Publicity 093684180 or elephant99@paradise.net.nz
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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.
