MAORI STAGE SHOW

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28983, 26 August 1959, Page 15

MAORI STAGE SHOW

Appreciative Audience

The pleasant harmonies of the Maori action song, the bloodcurdling cries of the haka and the slap of pois against flax skirts, were heard in the Theatre Royal last evening when the Nga Waka Maori Stage Show opened its South Island season.

An enthusiastic audience enjoyed all the items. The majority of the programme was devoted to Maori items, although there was a section at the end for European numbers, including popular songs, negro spirituals and a Latin-American solo. Three choral items for the finale were especially appreciated. The company achieved beautiful harmony in “Adoremus Te,” by Palestrina. “Steal Away,” a negro spiritual, and “Fantasia Espanola," were of the same high standard.

The show opened with a canoe chant,, symbolising the arrival of the first canoe in New Zealand This was followed by a marae scene which included the arrival of a party from another pa. the challenge, and the offering of a symbol of peace which the party had to accept before being welcomed.

A double long poi dance performed by the men in the group provided the audience with plenty of amusement. The men were not quite as adept as their women partners at handling the long pois and the audience were quick to pick up any mistakes. The “Nga Waka” action song in the second half performed by all the company was perhaps the brightest item in the whole show, although the ever-popular canoe poi and the “E Hehu” action song with its several Maori versions of European songs, were also well received.

A well thought-out backdrop of native bush and the palisades of a Maori pa, combined with skilful stagelighting, helped to make the show impress.