Maori work collective

Press, 25 July 1984, Page 22

Maori work collective

Te Ohu Whakaari, a Wellington Maori theatre group, will bring its own style of theatre to Christchurch on Friday, August 3. Te Ohu Whakaari, or work collective, will visit the city as part of a national tour organised by the New Zealand Students Arts Council. It will perform a three-night season. Te Ohu Whakaari will present a programme entitled “A View from the Younger Generation.” This thought-provoking programme has pulled capacity crowds in the first leg of the group’s tour, as well as much critical acclaim. “A View from the Younger Generation” is a collection of short sketches and stories based on a rich cultural heritage and is inspired by the experiences and aspirations of the young Maori people. The group blend traditional myths with contemporary themes, resulting in an extremely powerful performance. The group was formed in 1983 and has changed its line-up. The present members are Briar Smith, Donna McLeod, Maringikura Campbell, Apirana Taylor, Michael Grace and Himiona Grace. Many of the works in the programme are written and researched by the six actoys. Apirana Taylor, who writes most of the group’s

material is one of the four finalists in the Pegasus Literature Award for Maori Writers. The group has been directed by well-known actor Rangimoana Taylor, artistic director of the Wellington Arts Centre. Mr Taylor had been acutely aware of the abundance of talented, unemployed young Maori people, who, because of social pressures, are forgetting their rich dramatic heritage.' He realised that by becoming involved with Te Ohu Whakaari he could share his knowledge of theatre with his people. Since getting together Te Ohu Whakaari members have grown individually and collectively, sharing their talents in theatres, schools, streets, maraes and in Parliament. The New Zealand tour will take the group to seven centres over a four-week period. They will perform in theatres, at universities and schools, to work skills development groups and in prisons. A reviewer commented after the launching of this tour, “Te Ohu Whakaari must be nurtured and supported by the public, it must also be widely seen so it may spread its message of pride in things Maori.” The aim of this tour is Qmake this happen.