The Celebration of Matariki
Recreation Centre
Friday July 2nd, 7.00pm (Postponed from last Saturday - note new venue)
Entry free. $10 hangi available.
For the past 5 years Riverside has been the centre for performing Artists based in the wider Motueka community to produce a theatrical celebration of the Maori New Year.
Last year in telling the story of the people of Waitaha, the large audience of over 600 were greeted with 3 mass film screens, dancers, the Inakord choir and an outstanding group of musicians and singers lead by Gaynor Rikihana, an international Womad performer, Peter Prestel on koauau and Marahau-based AJ on every other sound.
The music and narration weaved together to produce a truly professional, and moving theatre experience. This was achieved by the excellent professional support of the sound and lighting.
This year the Festival of Lights has invited this group to take part in the Festival. So the show has moved to the Recreation Centre. The story this year is highlights the basic philosophy of Matariki, which include the giving of thanks, the remembering of the year, the letting go and the hope.
Playwright Donna McLeod was inspired to write this year's story by a picture story book written by Austrialian aurthor Sue Lawson, which she describes as "truly beautiful and moving, it is a story that any writer would be proud of because it moves you and stays with you". Donna has adapted Sue's story to give a local flavour, but hopes the intent and beauty are not lost. She was also influenced by the very recent unexpected death of an old school friend Megan Cook - "This is a way for me to say thank you my friend for the beautiful memories, travel well."
Matariki this year is a show that we hope is beautiful and that people will learn about Matariki and be uplifted. This year Gaynor will once again lead the musicians which include Nick Wilson. Bruce Appleton is back to lead the lighting team and the sound is once again in the professional hands of Matthew Bauer. Margot Schweigman is the choreographer, dancers will include aspects of the Tara dance and Capoeira with Volvo. Barbie Cole will lead the Inakord Choir.
The narration, in both Te Reo Maori and English, will have the adult voices of Ngarangi Marsh and Donna McLeod and the children's voices of Tui Henry and Shana Tova McLeod Bennett.
Matarki for the past 5 years has allowed performers who have huge professional and international experience to join together and perform. Once again over 50 artist have come together to share their gifts with our community to join together and celebrate Matariki. So to all those who have joined with us at Riverside the past 5 years, please join us this year at Decks Reserve, and for those who wish to learn about our Matariki and celebrate, wrap up warm and enjoy the magic.
Entry is free and a community hangi costing $10.00 is available. The show is 40 minutes and is followed by a laser light show.
Julie
