29 SEPTEMBER – 15 OCTOBER 2023
FOREWORD
Welcome to our RĀ season of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival! If there were ever a time to look to our artists to make sense of the world around us, now is the time. Walk with us through the dark and into the light, find space to reflect and to restore. Breathe in the stories of our place and the words of our worlds. Wrap yourself in the abundance of creative vitality that our region exudes and join us in that exploration. Be fortified by their artistic embrace and look toward the horizon together. He rā maumahara, he rā whakanuia, he rā hou tēnei!
Tama Waipara Chief Executive/ Artistic Director
Nau mai, haere atu ēnei kupu hei kawe i ngā whakaaro o te wā mō te kōwhai ka ngaora, ka ringitia te kete, ko Manawarū, ko Āraiteuru, ka kitea e te tini, e te mano. Ka waiho mā ngā kupu o neherā e whakaoho i te ngākau tangata ki te wānanga toi o te tai e whitia ana e Tamanuiterā. Greetings to you all in this, the time of planting and new growth. May this help draw you near to celebrate our unique place that is the Tairāwhiti, and to engage with our creative endeavours in challenging and dynamic times. Welcome, e mihi ana.
Dr Wayne Ngata Chairperson 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TE ARA I WHITI 4 WHAKAPAUPAKIHI 6 UPU 8 DEVA MAHAL 10 BIG J – A NEW LEGACY 12 IA 14 TAONGA PŪORO 15 KAWEKAWE KAUMĀTUA TOUR 16 OUR FESTIVAL WHĀNAU 17 SCHEDULE 19
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TE ARA I WHITI 5pm-10pm | 29 September 12pm-10pm | 30 September - 8 October Marina & Kelvin Parks 4
In 2023 Te Ara i Whiti brings together an outstanding group of artists from across Aotearoa who are creating artworks that speak of home, of connection and of relationships to our environment and each other. Te Ara i Whiti is an interactive visual arts experience primarily composed of illuminated installations and sculptural works that celebrate contemporary Māori design and connections to place. In 2023 we are proud to welcome Melanie Tangaere Baldwin back as guest curator with collaboration and support from globally acclaimed artist, Angus Muir. Now in its fifth year, Te Ara i Whiti has grown significantly in scale and intent, with a diverse range of artistic disciplines and styles breathing life TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
into sculptural wonder and play. This installation celebrates our regional connection to light and the creative abundance of Te Tairāwhiti. “As curator of Te Ara I Whiti 2023, I am interested in delivering an experience for our community. A place of imagining, contemplation and transition – using light, form, sound and space to create a momentary and unique other world - One that exists differently by day and night and moves between high energy and quiet contemplation, sound and silence, neon, sparkle and darkness, hardness and grace.” – Melanie Tangaere Baldwin
EXHIBITING ARTISTS
Erena Koopu Jamie Berry Lissy & Rudi Robinson-Cole Maia Keane Ngaire Tuhua
Melanie Tangaere Baldwin Natalie Robertson Sarah Hudson Amio Renati 5
WHAKAPAUPAKIHI 7pm | 13 October 2pm & 7pm | 14 October 6pm | 15 October War Memorial Theatre
DEVELOPMENT SEASON
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In partnership with Manatū Taonga and Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, Piksies Melody Ltd presents Whakapaupakihi, the new reo Māori musical theatre show entering its much-anticipated development season! Whakapaupakihi, captures the epic story of three brothers, Taua-i-te-rangi, Māhaki-ewe-karoro, Hauiti and their roles in the establishment of tribal groupings spanning Te Tairāwhiti (East TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
Coast region). Set in a magical new world, Whakapaupakihi introduces ancient oratory reformatted for new generations and twenty-first century audiences. Whakapaupakihi boasts a cast of professional kaihaka and actors from across the motu, presenting a dynamic and riveting show that has progressed from its pre-production reading to development season.
“Whakapaupakihi creates a new and fresh space for the validity of Māori storytelling in a musical theatre context. We’re excited to present our development season of Whakapaupakihi to the heart of our kaupapa, Te Tairāwhiti.” – Ani-Piki Tuari SPRING PROGRAMME 2023
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TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
UPU
THE POWER OF MĀORI AND PASIFIKA LITERATURE ROARING TO THEATRICAL LIFE.
The world of Oceania is not small. From the energetic volcanoes of O’ahu to the southern reaches of Aotearoa, she is borderless and vast -and growing bigger by the day. After decades of dismissal and disconnection, her children are closer than ever. It’s time for a reunion.
UPU means word. UPU gives the stage to some of Oceania’s most electrifying poets: writers like Maualaivao Albert Wendt, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Briar Grace-Smith, Karlo Mila, Hone Tuwhare, Sia Figiel, Ben Brown - they all have a home here. In UPU, borders disappear and the theatre becomes a sea of islands. Be transported across an ocean to hear the voices dealing with colonisation, family, climate change, love, sex, religion, power and tourists.
Curator
Performers
Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Maiava Nathaniel Lees Mia Blake Ana Corbett Shadon Meredith James Maeva Nicola Kawana Nora Aati
Director
Fasitua Amosa
SPRING PROGRAMME 2023
7pm | 6-7 October War Memorial Theatre
Performed by a stellar cast of some of the best Tagata Moana actors in Aotearoa NZ - Maiava Nathaniel Lees, Mia Blake, Ana Corbett, Shadon Meredith, James Maeva, Nicola Kawana and Nora Aati.
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DEVA MAHAL
From her upbringing in Kaua’i, Hawaii to discovering her voice in Aotearoa Deva Mahal was born with blues in her blood. Described as one of the most amazing performers in the world, Deva has graced esteemed international stages such as the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and Bonnaroo. With an extensive and impressive list of collaborations including Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Living Color, and the New York Pops Orchestra, Deva has performed on stage alongside such legends as Etta James, Bettye Lavette, The Roots, and Cyndi Lauper. Deva brings her world renowned sound to Tūranganui-ā-Kiwa/Gisborne this festival season.
“Mahal’s songs are revelations and anthems sung with unmatched emotion and reflecting her personal experiences” - WFUV
8pm | 13 & 14 October Lawson Field Theatre 10
A RARE COMBINATION OF MASTERFUL SONGWRITING AND BREATHTAKING VOCAL TALENT
TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
SPRING PROGRAMME 2023
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TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
Jacob Dombroski Directed by
Rose Kirkup Performance Design
Rowan Pierce Executive Producer
Jacob Dombroski Producer
Nic Lane
A solo work written and performed by Jacob Dombroski.
BIG J - A NEW LEGACY
Written & Starring
Big J explores Jacob’s passions – music, dance, and acting, weaving a story that allows the audience to peer in and become a part of his whānau. Highlighting struggles he has faced for being perceived to be different, Jay uses this pain to create a dialogue about acceptance and truth, inspiring others to leave their past behind and write their own destiny. Jacob puppeteers his childhood soft toy, Tiger to describe his formative years of growing up as a 90’s kid in the Manawatū with his brother and single mum. These lighter moments of Jacob’s story are mirrored by moments of violence towards him and frustration of not being understood. A krump battle shows the moment his bully pushes Jacob over the edge after calling him a ‘handicap’. Using his body to articulate the raw emotion Jacob expresses the unspeakable through dance.
7pm | 11 & 12 October War Memorial Theatre
“See an artist testing, trying-out and more importantly putting his whole soul, heart and body into his work.” — Maraea Rakuraku
SPRING PROGRAMME 2023
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IA THE MUSIC RESEMBLES A MODERN SOULFUL R&B TRACK, YET IT HAS BEEN CREATED ENTIRELY WITH ANCIENT MĀORI INSTRUMENTS. 6pm | 8 October Eastwoodhill Arboretum
Māori Music Award finalists IA create indigenous soul music.
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Their compositions blend old with new and feature the voices found with traditional Māori instruments/taonga pūoro. The puoro voices are blended with modern instruments, ancient poetic writing style and modern soulful melodies. IA have been discovering new frontiers with traditional Māori instruments by using taonga pūoro as the driving force in their creative process. TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
Featuring Moetu Smith, Reti Hedley and Jason Crawford, the New Zealand based band is dedicated to showcasing traditional instruments and te reo Māori in their music with the goal of encouraging others to continue the exploration of taonga pūoro an endangered artform.
Join us for an interactive taongo pūoro workshop. Together, we will delve into the rich history, tikanga, and pūkorero of traditional Maōri instruments. As we embark on this exploration, we will also dive into the contemporary landscape of taonga, understanding the presentday context and implications.
All participants will also be invited to actively participate and have a tutu/play, a chance to learn and connect with the art form.
SPRING PROGRAMME 2023
1pm-3pm | 7 October Eastwoodhill Arboretum
TAONGA PŪORO WORKSHOP with Reti Hedley
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KAWEKAWE KAUMĀTUA TOUR 10am | 3 October Lawson Field Theatre
Offering kaumātua a guided tour of Te Ara I Whiti – The Light Trail with guest curator and exhibiting artist, Melaine Tangaere Baldwin.
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These tours are designed to help kaumātua access the stunning visual arts on display throughout Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival which have been created by some of the most renowned artists in Te Ao Māori. Tours will end with a spread of kai and entertainment for kaumātua to enjoy!
TE TAIRĀWHITI ARTS FESTIVAL
Principal partners
We’d like to give a shout out to you all for standing beside us to bring this year’s festival programme to our unique place.
OUR FESTIVAL WHĀNAU
TE TAITUARA
Delivering a world-leading festival that connects and celebrates Te Tairāwhiti just simply could not happen without our family of partners, patrons, our board, staff and everyday people who support our kaupapa.
Thank you for being champions of Te Tairāwhiti arts and culture – Mā whero, mā pango ka oti ai te mahi.
Our board
KAITUKU PUTEA Major Funders
Dr Wayne Ngata Mark Burlace Karl Johnstone Sharon Van Gulik
Our team
HE HONONGA NGATAHI NO MUA Legacy Partners
Tama Waipara Edwina Ashwell Theresa Wawatai-Smith Rebecca Knox Jordan Walker Samantha Booth Melanie TangaereBaldwin
...and the many contractors, collaborators, staff and volunteers that make our festival truly special.
POU TANGATA Patreons
Tā Derek and Lady Rose Lardelli Michael and Anne Muir Anonymous donors 17
OUR FESTIVAL WHĀNAU
KAITAUTOKO
Partners and Sponsors
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Time
Event
Venue
29 September
5pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvin Parks
30 September
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
1 October
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
2 October
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
10am
Kawekawe Kaumātua Tours
Lawson Field Theatre
3 October
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
4 October
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
5 October
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
6 October
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
7pm
UPU
War Memorial Theatre
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
1pm-3pm
Taonga Pūoro Workshop
Eastwoodhill Arboretum
7pm
UPU
War Memorial Theatre
12pm-10pm
Te Ara i Whiti
Marina & Kelvins Parks
6pm
IA
Eastwoodhill Arboretum
11 October
7pm
Big J – A New Legacy
Lawson Field Theatre
12 October
7pm
Big J – A New Legacy
Lawson Field Theatre
13 October
7pm
Whakapaupakihi
War Memorial Theatre
8pm
Deva Mahal
Lawson Field Theatre
2pm & 7pm
Whakapaupakihi
War Memorial Theatre
8pm
Deva Mahal
Lawson Field Theatre
6pm
Whakapaupakihi
War Memorial Theatre
7 October
8 October
14 October
15 October
SCHEDULE
Date
BOX OFFICE AND MERCHANDISE Available at Marina and Kelvin Parks 29 September - 8 October 12pm-2pm | 6pm-9pm
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Tickets on sale: tetairawhitiartsfestival.co.nz Connect with us: @tetairawhitiartsfestival