Matariki performance returns to Riverside

June 22nd, 2011

The 2011 Te Matariki Community Performance Group has announced its annual Matariki celebration to be held on Saturday July 9th at 6pm at the Riverside Community Oval, Lower Moutere.

Since 2006, this performance group has been creating one-off Motueka creations, drawing on the talents of local artists such as playwright Donna McLeod, musicians Gaynor Rikihana, Maihi Barber, Peter Prestel, AJ Hickling and circus performer Damara Sylvester.

Last year the performance was held at the Motueka Recreation Centre as a culminating part of the Festival of Lights, but with no festival this year it has returned to its traditional venue at Riverside.

Te Matariki is chosen as a focus as it is traditionally a time for people to come together, to tell stories, and acknowledge the year gone and celebrate a new year ahead.

Organisers say the themes of this year's performance have been heavily influenced by the dramatic upheaval caused by the continuing earthquakes in Christchurch. With so much uncertainty and change affecting our community, the best way we can come to terms with it is by sharing it in story, song and dance.

The 70 strong cast members will use their skills of circus, music, dance, waiata, haka and multimedia effects to take us on a journey into a world which is shaken apart and then rebuilt. The performers come from different backgrounds including senior students of Lower Moutere School.

The performance will conclude with a lantern walk for those with lanterns and be followed by a communal kai in the riverside Community and Cultural Centre. Everyone is welcome, and you are advised to dress warmly. Entry is by koha. The rain postponement day is Sunday July 10th.

Contact Margot D'Hondt for further information, ext 30.

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