City: Auckland Live

Thoroughly Modern Māui

Metro Māori Productions Ltd's Thoroughly Modern Māui will be presented across Aotearoa in September/October 2022 as part of PANNZ's touring programme, Tour-Makers. Tour dates and regions will be announced soon.

 

 

 

Director - Matariki Whatarau
Dramaturge - Kate Prior & Renee Lyons
Writer/Performer - Rutene Spooner
Music - Te Aihe Butler & Rutene Spooner
Costume - Tina Thomas
Executive Producer - Metro Māori Productions Ltd
Production Partner - Pilot Productions

Image credit (hero): Ivan Muller
Image credit (production photos): Jack Barry, 2113 Creative

Many moons ago, a superhero of a different kind ruled this side of the Pacific. His name was Māui-Tikitiki-A-Taranga – MĀUI.

A warrior and demigod, his adventures are woven into the fabric of Pacific history. In Aotearoa, this ‘Māori Superman’ was fast, fit, and funny. He was the total package. He slowed the sun, fished up the North Island and brought fire to the world – to name just a few of his feats!

Burgeoning music theatre star Rutene Spooner is channelling this Māori hero into a modern-day icon – complete with rhinestones and glitter. This ‘haka-boogie-hori’ will be pulling out all his tricks from the past and reincarnating Māui into a living breathing musical rock star before your very eyes. Featuring charmingly quick-witted songs, hilarious antics and heart-felt storytelling.

 

Developed in partnership with Auckland Live.

"A highly talented and hilarious performer... the whanaungatanga
between Spooner and his band radiates authenticity and joy." - Theatrescenes

A Boy Called Piano

The Conch's A Boy Called Piano will be presented across Aotearoa in October 2022 as part of PANNZ's touring programme, Tour-Makers. Tour dates and tickets are available further below. For more information about A Boy Called Piano please visit the The Conch's website.

 

 

 

Writers: Fa’amoana John Luafutu & Tom McCrory
Director: Nina Nawalowalo
Producer: Katherine Wyeth
Executive Producer: Tom McCrory
Composer: Mark Vanilau
Starring: Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd, Ole Maiava
Visual Design: Rowan Pierce
Lighting Design: Hāmi Hawkins
Technical Manager: Mike Ainsworth
Technical Operator: Bekky Boyce

Featuring sound design elements and video footage from The Conch documentary film: A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu - Directed by Nina Nawalowalo, Produced by Katherine Wyeth, Executive Producer: Tom McCrory, Composer: Mark Vanilau, Edited by Lala Rolls, Cinematography by Jess Charlton, Sound Design by Mike Gibson, Featuring: Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Tāne Luafutu, Micah Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Tupe Lualua

Auckland 1963. Three eleven year old boys meet in a cell in the Family Court. Two Māori and one Samoan: Wheels, Piwi, and a boy called Piano. Made wards of state, they are taken to Ōwairaka Boys’ Home. There begins a story of darkness, abuse and pain, but also resilience as the boys seek to survive through the power of friendship, culture, music and the human spirit.

Growing from the award-winning collaboration of The White Guitar’s creative team, Pacific NZ theatre company The Conch is proud to walk beside Fa’amoana John Luafutu and the Luafutu Aiga as they courageously bring the true story of Fa’amoana’s experience - alongside thousands of Māori and Pasifika children - into the light.

Written by Fa’amoana John Luafutu and Tom McCrory, and directed by Nina Nawalowalo, A Boy Called Piano builds on The Conch’s kaupapa of harnessing the power of theatre as a force for social change. Combining physical storytelling, breathtaking visual design, and elements from The Conch documentary film A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu (NZIFF 2022 and winner 2022 Montreal Independent Film Festival), the play stars Fa’amoana alongside his son Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd and the renowned Ole Maiava, plus a stunning score performed live by Aotearoa music legend Mark Vanilau.

 

A Boy Called Piano was first produced at BATS Theatre, Wellington on 04 October 2022
Developed in partnership with Auckland Live

 

*No Interval. Lockout applies. Content warning: offensive language, contains themes relating to abuse and suicide.

“It’s gripping, insightful and appeals to our humanity.” - Theatreview

"This play is a reminder how powerful theatre is." - Dominion Post