TE HAERENGA,
a journey of identity
Te Haerenga, a journey of identity, combines the ancient art of storytelling with the drama of theatre to interweave three individual stories into one shared journey of New Zealand identity.
Set against the backdrop of New Zealand and world history and incorporating such diverse topics as the revival of the Maori language, the black civil rights movements in America, the woman’s movement and the changing role of New Zealand males, Te Haerenga will amuse, provoke, inspire and delight.
Performers Tony Hopkins, Moira Wairama, and Ralph Johnson.
Director Ralph Johnson
Costumes Janet Dunn
Show duration 75 minutes
Set Two chairs, a bench and steps, easily transported in a small van.
Venue Best suited to intimate venues, easily staged in venues other than traditional theatre spaces.
Lighting Minimum lighting requirements in theatre, normal lighting is sufficient in other venues.
Technician Only needed if staged in a theatre, venue technician acceptable.
Pack in/out 15 minutes.
Target Audience 35 years plus however good response from younger audiences.
Cost of show $800 per show plus accommodation, technician, transport, per diems for tellers.
What the critics said
“With the ease of practiced storytellers the trio inter-weave their diverse journeys and personalities into an intriguing hour-or-so that’s well worth hooking into.” Reviewed by John Smythe, 8 Jan 2010, Theatreview
“This is an endearing show, you’ll leave with the cockles of your heart well warmed and possibly/hopefully a desire to delve into your own family history." Reviewed by Lynn Freeman, 20 Jan 2010, Capital Times
“People here are still talking about your performances with great pleasure and high praise.” Janet Hayes, Glistening Waters Festival Convenor
“All the personal stories are told simply and directly and they make one aware of the amazing complexities of chance, circumstance, and personality, not to mention the turbulence of events here and overseas that went to make up the second half of the 20th century for three individuals – as well as for all of us. Telling moments are beautifully captured”. Reviewed by Laurie Atkinson, 9 Jan 2010, The Dominion Post
What the audience said
Not only is this profound play a beautiful portrayal of life and personal growth but it also gave me a strong sense of 'who' is New Zealand and what comprises the different people that make up this beautiful country.' Michele Mancuso, Vancouver, Canada
I appreciated the generosity you showed by being honest and open about your personal stories but you did it in a way that didn't feel coercive or narcissistic - this is what left me as an audience member room to connect and make links as things progressed. Dr Alice Te Punga Somerville, Senior Lecturer, Victoria University of Wellington
He whakaari pai ki a au, a Te Haerenga, i te mea kei te whakahoki Te Whakaaturanga i ngā mahara ki ngā wā o mua ki te wā i hangaia rā Te Ataarangi ki tēnei rohe. (I enjoyed Te Haerenga particularly as it brought back the memories of Te Ataarangi starting in this area) Simon Hirini HOD Maori Taita College, Te Ataarangi tutor, Koraunui Marae.
Wow … what a journey… you all had me enthralled, thoughtful, laughing, sad, wistful, captivated … it was stunning. Linda Bremford, BATS audience, Wellington.
What else can we offer?
Scary Sagas
A 45 minute children's show which can be staged as a matinee during a season of Te Haerenga. Scary Sagas is best suited to children 7 yrs and older and features a collection of spine tingling tales from Maori, Native American and European folklore. Performed by acclaimed storytellers Tony Hopkins, Moira Wairama and Ralph Johnson.
Te Pouaka Karetao/ The Puppet Box
A 30 minute show in either English or Maori based on Moira Wairama’s award winning book The Puppet Box /Te Pouaka Karetao . The show includes puppets from the book and the teaching of a simple waiata. Suitable for kindergarten, kohanga reo or Year one primary children. Teacher’s notes included. Performer Moira Wairama
Boyz will be....
A 45 minute adaption of the ‘male’ stories in Te Haerenga, a journey of identity performed by Tony Hopkins and Ralph Johnson
Workshops
A range of storytelling, writing and performance workshops for both adults and children. Workshops can be created to meet requirements of specific groups.
Individual or group storytelling performances
Storytellers Tony Hopkins, Moira Wairama and Ralph Johnson can offer a wide range of stories, suitable for kohanga reo, preschools, primary schools and colleges, art galleries, museums, marae, rest homes, and hospitals. The stories can be targeted to specific themes or programmes as requested and include the option of bi-lingual telling.
Soul Food Tellers is the storytelling branch of Baggage Co-op
For more information check out www.bact.org.nz/soulfood
Cast Contact Details
Ralph Johnson: 04 239- 8336 or aralph@clear.net.nz
Moira Wairama: 04 563-8311, txt @ 027 334 7760 or baggage@actrix.co.nz
Tony Hopkins: 04 381 3307, txt@ 027 737 3185 or blackcherokee@actrix.co.nz