Tonight I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the dress rehearsal of Maui - One Man Against the Gods. I knew it was going to be amazing, because I’ve caught glimpses of the dream over the past two years... but even so I was blown away.
The aerialists were breathtaking as they spun and danced through the air, and twisted their bodies around ribbons of cloth hanging down from the ceiling.
The set design was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. One hectare of fabric was used in the production. Huge screens were sometimes used as a backdrop for patterns of light to be projected onto, sometimes as a filter we looked through to another world, and sometimes billowing unexpectedly over the heads of the audience.
Toni Huata was stunning, doing the two things she does best: performing, and wearing fabulous costumes. One of her gorgeous outfits took up the whole stage!
The actors and dancers were fantastic. One of the things I loved about the show was the great sense of humour. Sometimes it seems like all of New Zealand’s creative productions (movies, books, plays) are so gloomy and serious. Maui, the man, was a cheeky guy with a wicked sense of humour, and this show reflects that spirit in its playfulness. Tanemahuta and the Maui whanau have managed to weave together a journey that is filled with laughter one moment, and the next moment it touches on a spiritual identity that we can all feel a connection to – Tau Iwi / Pakeha as well as Maori.
The spirit behind the show is one of warm aroha and supportiveness. I have experienced first hand Tanemahuta’s infectious enthusiasm, his talent for drawing out the potential within each person, and the way he will lovingly tautoko anyone who is willing to work towards their dreams. I’m so proud to know so many of the people who have brought this show to life – and I’m so proud of what they have achieved. When they’re world famous ten times over I’ll still be bragging about how I trained with them once upon a time… Big props, nga mihi aroha tino nui ki a te whanau katoa.
If you haven’t already, go buy tickets. And living overseas is no excuse – start campaigning to get the show to your town next!
(I think this entry may have used up my adjective quota for the year…)
Posted by Fionnaigh at May 25, 2005 12:30 AM | TrackBackI so wanted to go and see Maui. I had a dress rehearsal ticket but was struck by a nasty stomach bug on the night and had to give it a miss. It sounds amazing.
Posted by: arcite at May 26, 2005 06:51 AMHi Fi, great blog and spunky photo of us two. Can I have a copy of it?
Have a good day,
Cheers Sue