NZ Int'l Arts Festival 08 - Te Karakia
214 images Created 10 Mar 2008
Te Karakia is a love story, set amongst the maelstrom of the 1981 Springbok Tour. To celebrate 25 years of professional Maori 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 Maori 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.
