NGĀ RORIRORI
Celebrated artist and Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate 2022, Hone Kouka (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Raukawa) brings to the stage his new work, combining three forms that he loves most as an artist: Dance. Theatre. Farce. A story told by a cast of five including dancers and actors who perform recorded dialogue in it’s entirety, Ngā Rorirori pushes the boundaries of live performance as we know it.
A rural marae has hit the jackpot – if they pass one final hurdle, that is. The haukāinga must convince the Government’s Chief Executive of the Department of ‘Whenua, Whakapapa and Whatever’ that they are the true descendants of their eponymous ancestor! If they are successful at doing so, the vast coastline in their rohe reverts to their ownership, garnering millions of dollars… in back rent alone.
Ngā Rorirori is a comical foray into one whānau’s relationship with their whenua, and their quest to turn their coastline into a cash cow. In question here, are Pillow and Manuela Rorirori – a brother and sister who also happen to be the only two members of their hapū. He’s a convicted fraudster who’s returned to his rohe after a series of failed business ventures, she’s the well-intentioned teina who is trying desperately to hold her whānau together as their ancestral claims are put under the microscope.
Joining Hone in bringing this work to life is a multi-talented cast, including Regan Taylor, (Mahana, Home By Christmas, Ahikaroa) previousl
This is the new work from the writer of landmark theatre productions, Ngā Tangata Toa, Waiora, The Prophet and Bless The Child – Hone Kouka presents his first new work in four years.
Ngā Rorirori is an innovative dance theatre experience written and directed by Hone Kouka, with choreography by Braedyn Togi and produced by Tawata Productions.
Image by Dave Richards.
