HE TOI KUPU - Uhi Tai

Kia mataara, ka huri te tai... Set our stories adrift on the flowing tide

HE TOI KUPU is a project-based community engagement programme in collaboration with Ahipoutu Collective that empowers local whānau, hapū and iwi to extract their own stories - ancient wisdoms and everyday happenings - and transform them into highly engaging cultural artefacts. The programme has two parts.
Part 1: A devised, bilingual theatre experience that features singing, dance, haka and authentic storytelling, through dialogue, monologue and poetry. The 20+ all-Māori cast will boldly share the stories, issues and experiences that they engage with in today’s world, and recount and reimagine some from the past. Filled with song, contemporary and hip-hop dance, traditional Pasifika Siva and haka, Tauranga audiences are in for powerful and moving performances showcasing the immense mana of our incredibly talented rangatahi.

Part 2: A physical collection of mahi toi (artworks) that will be on display using both traditional and contemporary methods including carving and digital design.

The rangatahi involved have actively participated in the research process that involved interviewing members of the Tauranga Moana community, recording many stories, and reimagining them in both art forms.