Maui - One Man Against The Gods

Maori Legend in Stunning Stage Spectacular In Hamilton

Acclaimed contemporary stage show Maui – One Man Against The Gods will be performed in Hamilton in May this year.
The spectacular production, which has wowed Wellington and Christchurch audiences, opens at Founders Theatre, Hamilton on 2 May, following a season in Auckland.
Maui – One Man Against The Gods features aerial theatre, stirring kapa haka (Maori performing arts) and contemporary dance in a two hour show with a cast of 20 performers featuring Tamati Patuwai as Maui.
The show premiered in Wellington in 2005 following four years of development and tells the story of Maui, the legendary Maori hero whose epic adventures included capturing the sun and fishing up the North Island.
Maui – One Man Against The Gods was conceived by Wellington-born dancer and artistic director, Tanemahuta Gray, who drew on his international experience as a senior aerialist with De La Guarda, one of the world’s leading aerial theatre companies, to create the show.
“Our aim was to combine cutting-edge theatrical techniques with Maori performing arts in a way that appeals to all New Zealanders. We take our audience on a journey of the senses in which they viscerally experience gods flying, whilst one man defies them all,” says Mr Gray.
The show features original music by internationally renowned Wellington composer, Gareth Farr; with the different forms of contemporary dance and kapa haka (Maori performing arts), which creates the emotional intensity and underlying wairua (spirit) of the show.
“To this we added the spectacle of performers ‘flying’ through the air, onstage and above the heads of the audience, to ensure that the audience is immersed in the story and intrinsically feels a part of Maui’s world.”
Mr Gray says this 2007 season in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington is likely to be the last opportunity New Zealand audiences have to see Maui before the show heads off to perform internationally. Negotiations are continuing for a United States tour later this year.
“Our aim is to create a sensation that New Zealanders will feel proud of, then take that energy and creativity to the rest of the world.”
Maui – One Man Against The Gods is at Founders Theatre, Hamilton from 2-6 May. Book at Ticket Direct. More information is available at www.mauitheshow.com.

ENDS

“As an epic theatrical spectacle, Maui is phenomenal … Riveting, amusing and awesome … All of New Zealand should embrace it with native recognition” – National Business Review

“Leaves you breathless at the sheer adventure of it all” – Chris Laidlaw, National Radio

“At the end of this spectacular show, the audience was on its feet cheering…this show is going to tour and tour and tour.” Sunday Star Times

“There’s very little doubt this powerful production will go on to achieve the world exposure it is aiming for” – Dominion Post

Event listed by SWPR Ltd

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