A powerful new theatre production exploring justice, race and political participation will be performed in Porirua this July, bringing a story developed with rangatahi Māori directly to local audiences.
Waenga, created by brother and sister Tamati and Hariata Moriarty, will be staged at Aotea College from July 7 to 9 as part of a lower North Island tour by Te Rākau and Hurō Productions.
The play follows Connie, a young Māori woman caught in the consequences of police “move-on” orders, as she navigates questions about freedom, identity and survival. Through her experiences, audiences are challenged to consider how power operates in society and what it means to participate in civic life.
Director Jim Moriarty said the production encourages people to think about their own role in shaping New Zealand’s future.
“In today’s volatile climate this play is a chance to ask, how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?” Moriarty said.
Waenga premiered at the Kia Mau Festival and has already been performed for hundreds of secondary school students around the country. The latest version expands on the original production with additional music, action and discussion inspired by Te Rākau’s Theatre Marae approach.
The production was developed with input from high school students, helping to ensure the characters and issues reflected the realities facing many young people today.
Hariata and Tamati Moriarty said the work was created to give rangatahi Māori an opportunity to see themselves represented on stage.
“The show Waenga was created so that rangatahi Māori could see their voices and their experiences told on the stage,” they said.
The cast includes Hariata Moriarty, Tamati Moriarty, Mycah Keall, Regan Taylor, Brooke Wharehinga, Matiu Rata, Rylee Herewini and Ryan Holtham, with music by Rameka Tamaki.
While centred on the experiences of young Māori, the production tackles issues that affect communities across New Zealand, including inequality, racism, civic engagement and social responsibility.
Following the Porirua performances, the tour will continue through Wellington, Upper Hutt, Wainuiomata, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Horowhenua and other centres.
Tickets for the Porirua performances are available through Eventfinda.
For school group bookings and further information, contact Te Rākau at [email protected].
