Review Puawai at Elmwood

Press, 1 September 1989, Page 6

Review Puawai at Elmwood

“The Waitara Purchase,” by Brian Hannam. Presented by Puawai at the Elmwood Playhouse in Fulton Avenue. From August 31 until September 9. Running time 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reviewed by Elody Rathgen.

Puawai has selected a controversial and timely piece of theatre — “The Waitara Purchase” by Brian Hannam. It is a documentary drama about land purchasing in colonial New Zealand. The play features thei-particular purchase of Waitara in Taranaki.

Early white colonials had seen the beauty and potential of their new conquest. They hoped to develop it as an utopian experiment. Responses to the Treaty of Waitangi for example, in the 1850 s, often hailed it as the start of a new type of relationship between tangata whenua (people of the land) and European settlers. Tragically, the Maori way of life was to become a casualty of the pakeha will to succeed.

In spite of initial large numbers, and the clumsiness of the Europeans in the country (“the Redcoat moves lika an ox in the bush”), disease, alcohol supplied in plenty, political manipulation, internal division, and time all ran against the Maori.

True to its genre this drama is a powerful piece of “message theatre.” A lot of information is conveyed aand the significance of it made clear. The war in Taranaki is seen as a futile waste of land and other resources. It resulted in tragic

loss of life, waging without result for 12 years. The company of six actors all play many roles, as it typical for this type of play. On the whole they are successful, but because they are often mouthpieces for ideas they sometimes lose the authenticity of their roles, and seem uncomfortable with the wordiness of the text. Simon Small has an excellent control of his range of roles, swapping accents and movement with assurance. Chris Clarkson, while more vivacious, sometimes goes over the top with extravagant gestures. Donna Muir gives superb musical leadership to the cast in waiata and other musical numbers. There are some spellbinding moments when she is joined by Erolia Ifopo and Joseph Otimi. As M.C., or narrator of events, Linley Bullen is competent and lively. I found her voice a little strident at times. She has a good sense of timing to keep the drama flowing. The direction by Robert Gilbert provides plenty of variety. For all the seriousness of intent there are moments of hilarity and boisterous fun. He has used a simple, effective set which is dominated by a carved figure. “The Waitara Purchase” is an important prelude for the events to take place in 1990. It provides useful background information to all New Zealanders about our history. As well this performance by Puawai will both entertain and move those who see it.