N.Z. dance and music

Press, 15 July 1980, Page 19

N.Z. dance and music

•True Blue,” the production of the Impulse Dance Theatre touring New Zealand, and showing at the James Hay Theatre on Friday and Saturday, is an all-New Zealand programme. It features two hew compositions, one by Vai Murphy, and the other by Jack Body and Ross Harris.

The decision to feature New Zealand dance and music seemed to evolve naturally from the company’s work and development over the last -five years, the director, Jamie Bull says. The special Body-Harris composition was for a work, “Wananga-i-te-rangi,” which was choreographed by the regular Impulse choreographer, Gaylene Sciascia, under the direction of Piri Sciascia.

The work depicts the journey of Tane to the uppermost heaven to obtain

the sacred baskets and stones of knowledge. Ms Bull says that during the preparation and creation of the work the company hs been immersed in Maoritanga and the completed work represents an exciting development towards a fusion of Maori and Pakeha culture.

Although “Wananga-i-te-rangi” and “Songs of Emancipation,” choreographed by Barbara Robinson, with music by Vai Murphy, are the two major works, there are seven other dances covering a wide variety of modem dance styles. After its Christchurch season, “True Blue” will go to Nelson, for a performance in the Suter Art Gallery on July 26. It will be seen again in the South Island on August 26 and 27, when there will be performances in the Boathouse Theatre, Blenheim.