Work
Te Karakia
for processed voice and environmental sounds
About
Te Karakia – a love story of hope and forgiveness set amidst the maelstrom of the 1981 Springbok Tour. To celebrate 25 years of professional Māori theatre, Taki Rua Productions commissioned this new work that is destined to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Excommunicated during his childhood from his family and faith, Matthew Connell has found a home within the New Zealand police force, quickly rising to the elite ranks of the Red Squad. However, Matthew's regimented existence is threatened when Ranea, a young Māori woman from his past, re-emerges to challenge his future. With precipitating civil unrest spreading across the country, Matthew is forced to confront reconciliation with his long-absent father and his childhood past.
A multi-award-winning company, Taki Rua Productions' previous Festival works include Purapurawhetu, Woman Far Walking and The Prophet. Written by New Zealand's boldest young playwright Albert Belz (winner of the 2006 Bruce Mason Playwrights Award and the Chapman Tripp Award for Outstanding New Zealand Play of the Year in 2006 for Yours Truly), Te Karakia will have its eagerly awaited premiere at the Festival.
Commissioned note
Score and soundscape were commissioned by Taki Rua Productions
Text note
Te Karekia was written by Albert Beltz in English and Te Reo
The Show was developed and produced by Taki Rua
Performance history
27 Feb 2008: Te Karakia
05 Mar 2009: Te Karakia 1
06 Mar 2009: Te Karakia 2
07 Mar 2009: Te Karakia 3
08 Mar 2009: Te Karakia 4
Performed at the Dreaming Festival, Queensland, Australia