Pitopito korero

Tu Tangata, Issue 25, 1 August 1985, Page 44

Pitopito korero

Future development possibilities are also looked at such as federations, and investment arms of Maori commercial organisations. John Dyall has an honours degree in Economics.

TE OHU WHAKAARI/MERUPA MAORI

... at the Depot Theatre, Wellington

What may be hailed as the great Borthwicks Gumboot Dance was premiered in exciting fashion by Merupa Maori, six young Maori and a Zulu. That’s right a Zulu, Kintsho Ka’Tshabalala who provided the drum accompaniment to what is a new cultural cross-over in dance.

The idea of setting a Maori dance theme against an african drumbeat along with Maori waiata was the collaboration of Kintsho, a Zulu percussionist working with the Wellington Arts Centre Trust, and John Tahuparae, the person behind the innovative drama group Te Ohu Whakaari and now Merupa Maori. It’s a very successful union judging by the premiere performance and the audience reaction. The choreography included not only gumboots worn for a foot-stomping, thigh-slapping dance routine but also full-face motorcycle helmets decked out in striking warpaint.

Full marks also for the up-tempo drum rhythm from all Merupa Maori with the solo award going to Kintsho with some elaborate counterpoint drumming. I also enjoyed his whaikorero both in Maori and his native tongue. The links have now been firmly drawn between our two cultures. As for Te Ohu Whakaari, they are a different taste. Not for them the brash, energetic display of youthful zest for life, instead the measured pace of the word in time. Apirana Taylor was very convincing spinning the ‘oh so true story’ of the frustrated carver and Tina Cook was right over the top in the Patricia Grace ‘slice of life’ vehicle, ‘lt used to be green once’. ‘He koha ki na taku kuia’ also made very effective use of light and shade to handle a poignant korero between generations. These performing artists are making new waves from a contemporary cultural base and need make no apologies for interpreting their cultures in a new light. As kaumatua, Wiremu Parker said after the premiere performance, it was a new waka being launched, but it went with his blessing.