Taurite
From the moment I stepped into the performance space in the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber, I felt "energy" seamlessly wash over me, making me feel alive. As I took my seat, I understood where this energy was radiating from. Performers waiting for us, both standing but mostly seated opposite and above in the stalls and floor area. I felt calm, but with a sense of anticipation. Anxious to see where the next hour would take me. It’s extremely satisfying to watch a physical performer at work. To see sweat dripping from foreheads, muscles pulsating, and the expansion of bodies through breath.
Four large rocks are aligned at the back of the space with two centre stage, one spotlit, and four Pou's placed on each corner of the room, also under small spotlights. A waiata crescendos and my hairs stand up on end. Tears abruptly arise, the longing of needing to reconnect, to go back "home" and continue to learn encompass me. Thank you for the reminder. Contemporary dance can be very subjective, however, the intentions of this work are clear and I congratulate Hawaiki TŪ on this.
Taurite explores the idea of balance. Balance within our culture, lives, and the things that weigh us down. It was nice to see the physical metaphor of the rocks being used in a myriad of ways. First by pushing them to where they wanted to be, dancing around and with them, picking them up, balancing on them, and picking them up again to create something new out of the things that test us. Although at times there were some very small mishaps with choreography by some of the performers, it didn’t make it any less impressive. I enjoyed how movement and song weaved into each other, and kept the show progressing so that you never knew what was going to happen next.
Particular stand out moments were dancers balanced on the rocks and repeatedly squatted, the choreography of Mau rākau, moments of synchronization, and the two beautiful young kōtiro that joined the company halfway through, wrapped in red sheets and birthed onto the stage to then stand (with what I assume is a father or family member) to join in a waiata.
Lighting states where simple, with spotlights and a few gobos throwing weaved patterns on the floor. Hearing the choir of voices bouncing off the walls and into your soul, and soundscape soundtracks that vibrate so cleanly is always a highlight in this beautiful space. We heard it all, the breath, the rhythms, the instruments.
Collaboratively created within only four days, Hawaiki TŪ has created a stunning visual and emotional performance that gives audience members everything they were expecting and so much more. The show currently stands at around 45-50 minutes, but I wished it had been longer. Kura Te Ua, who leads the company, has done a fantastic job with this new creation, and I look forward to seeing how it develops. It’s how everything is brought and connected together that I find most impressive and embracing. Each element works to create a visually stunning, emotionally grounding piece of theatre that gave me goosebumps. I wish them all the best as they endeavour to reach more New Zealand audiences and share their performances. They have officially gained another supporter and groupie!