Latest news with #AmberCurreen
Scoop
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kōanga Festival Unveils Full Line-Up For This September In Tāmaki Makaurau
(Tāmaki Makaurau, Wed 23 July, 2025) - Kōanga Festival, a captivating celebration of Māori performing arts, has unveiled its dynamic hōtaka (programme) for the 2025 event. Returning to Te Pou Theatre for two packed weekends from 12 to 21 September, the 2025 programme champions new Māori voices and work across theatre, music, and dance, from powerful play readings and live gigs, to a fun-filled community Whānau Day. Kōanga is a time when te taiao comes to life with new growth. Kōanga Festival cultivates new ideas and shares the bounty of new narratives through Māori performing arts. Now in its 11th year, Kōanga Festival is where Māori stories are crafted, shared and embraced. This year's headline show What Happened To Mary-Anne? is a bold, high-energy rock show created by award-winning performer and writer Brady Peeti. Featuring a live band and original music, the show is an unflinching, electric ride through love, identity, and memory. What Happened To Mary-Anne? takes place on three nights only from Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September. Festival favourite Whānau Day, taking place Saturday 13 September, is an open, free festival day for all to enjoy. Expect a magical storytelling grove, kai stalls, a rangatahi curated outdoor music stage, kapa haka, kids' theatre, games, and more. It's a celebration of storytelling that the whole whānau can experience together. 'Kōanga Festival 2025 shares the talents of excellent Māori performing arts makers, and nurtures new stories for the stage, with a focus on crucial voices at crucial times; futuristic thinking, urban Māori stories and electrifying performances.' says Amber Curreen, Artistic Director. From Friday 19 - Saturday 20 September, emerging Māori playwrights will present their newly developed works following three months of creative development through the Kōanga Playwrights Programme. With limited capacity, these readings offer a rare first-look at the future of Māori theatre. This year's playwrights are Leigh Minarapa (Ngāti Rangitihi) with 'Te Koha', Lila Māhina Black (Ngāti Raukawa) with 'Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa', Zody Takurua (Ngā Rauru) with 'WHŌRE', and Ngahiriwa Rauhina (Ngāti Whakaue, Tuhourangi ki Wahiao, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Raukawa) presenting the only te reo Māori work within the Kōanga Playwrights Programme, 'Te Tau E'. 'Te Tau E' marks Kōanga alumnae Ngahiriwa Rauhina's first full-length mainstage work presented entirely in te reo Māori. 'It's the first time we've had so many works dealing directly with Māori futurism and critical contemporary kaupapa.' says Amber Curreen in regards to the Playwrights Programme. 'At this time when there's so much disruption in the world our artists will do what they do best and come together to imagine new pathways forward.' Atamira Dance Compan y will be presenting two unique showings within the festival under Kia Pohewatia their choreographic residency programme with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Rangitāne) and Samara Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Uenukukopako). Kia Pohewatia is dedicated to supporting Māori choreographers in developing new works. Through studio time, mentorship, and collaboration with Atamira artists, this residency offers a space for research, experimentation, and the early shaping of future projects. 'Kōanga is a time for nurturing fresh, new narratives, and Kia Pohewatia embodies this by providing a platform for Māori choreographers Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann and Samara Reweti to dream, experiment, and share early-stage works that invite audiences into their evolving creative journeys. It will be exciting to witness these unfolding new offerings as they are shared with the public.' says Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue-kaipapa, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Pākehā), Artistic Director of Atamira Dance Company. 13 Sept | Whānau Day (Free event) 14 Sept | Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann 19 - 21 Sept | 'What Happened To Mary-Anne?' - Brady Peeti 19 Sept | Play Readings Pōmere by Leigh Minarapa with 'Te Koha' & Ngahiriwa Rauhina with 'E Tau e' 20 Sept | Play Readings Pōhoroi by Lila Black with 'Strange Signals: Aliens in Aotearoa' & Zody Takurua with 'WHŌRE' 21 Sept | Te Arero Toi Reo Māori Playwrighting Wānanga and Atamira Dance Company Presents: Kia Pohewatia with Samara Reweti 'It will be a beautiful, big and audacious ten days at Te Pou - we look forward to seeing you there!' Amber Curreen.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KŌPŪ – The Ground-Breaking Production, Opens At The Court Theatre Next Month
Press Release – Sandra Roberts Written by Tuakoi Ohia and directed by Amber Curreen, KP is a ground-breaking theatrical experience that fuses live music, waiata, poi, poetry, and raw storytelling into a vivid series of vignettes. The Court Theatre – Stewart Family Theatre / 16 – 26 July Exploding onto the stage next month at The Court Theatre, KŌPŪ is the fierce, funny, and unapologetically powerful theatre event that celebrates the full spectrum of wāhinetanga — the essence of being a woman. Written by Tuakoi Ohia and directed by Amber Curreen, KŌPŪ is a ground-breaking theatrical experience that fuses live music, waiata, poi, poetry, and raw storytelling into a vivid series of vignettes. This riotous and heartfelt production honours the voices, experiences, and mana of Māori women — from our nannies to our nieces. Premiered in 2023 at Te Pou Theatre, KŌPŪ was born in response to mainstream media coverage of comments made by MP Judith Collins regarding women speaking on the marae — and a desire to see wāhine Māori narratives reclaimed and voiced loudly, proudly, and creatively. 'We wanted to ask the question — who gets to speak on our behalf? Why aren't wāhine Māori voices taking precedence?' says director Amber Curreen. Featuring a powerhouse cast of six wāhine Māori performers — Tuakoi Ohia, Jane Leonard, Brady Peeti, Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, Te Ohorere Williams, and Te Arohanui Korewha — KŌPŪ is fearless, joyous, and unfiltered. From cheeky kōrero straight from the bedroom to soaring musical moments and stories that cut to the bone, this is theatre that sings, laughs, and demands to be heard. Award-winning whakawahine actor Brady Peeti reflects on her role: 'We will empower wāhine Māori voices by being visible, being loud, telling the truth — even if it makes people uncomfortable.' KŌPŪ is more than a show — it's a reclamation of space, language, and storytelling. With sold-out seasons behind it and a growing national following, this is your chance to witness one of Aotearoa's most vital and exhilarating new works live in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KŌPŪ - The Ground-Breaking Production, Opens At The Court Theatre Next Month
Hairy nipples, haka, and heart — the wāhine of KŌPŪ set to say it like it is! Don't miss this ground-breaking theatrical celebration of wāhine The Court Theatre – Stewart Family Theatre / 16 – 26 July Exploding onto the stage next month at The Court Theatre, KŌPŪ is the fierce, funny, and unapologetically powerful theatre event that celebrates the full spectrum of wāhinetanga — the essence of being a woman. Written by Tuakoi Ohia and directed by Amber Curreen, KŌPŪ is a ground-breaking theatrical experience that fuses live music, waiata, poi, poetry, and raw storytelling into a vivid series of vignettes. This riotous and heartfelt production honours the voices, experiences, and mana of Māori women — from our nannies to our nieces. Premiered in 2023 at Te Pou Theatre, KŌPŪ was born in response to mainstream media coverage of comments made by MP Judith Collins regarding women speaking on the marae — and a desire to see wāhine Māori narratives reclaimed and voiced loudly, proudly, and creatively. 'We wanted to ask the question — who gets to speak on our behalf? Why aren't wāhine Māori voices taking precedence?' says director Amber Curreen. Featuring a powerhouse cast of six wāhine Māori performers — Tuakoi Ohia, Jane Leonard, Brady Peeti, Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, Te Ohorere Williams, and Te Arohanui Korewha — KŌPŪ is fearless, joyous, and unfiltered. From cheeky kōrero straight from the bedroom to soaring musical moments and stories that cut to the bone, this is theatre that sings, laughs, and demands to be heard. Award-winning whakawahine actor Brady Peeti reflects on her role: 'We will empower wāhine Māori voices by being visible, being loud, telling the truth — even if it makes people uncomfortable.' KŌPŪ is more than a show — it's a reclamation of space, language, and storytelling. With sold-out seasons behind it and a growing national following, this is your chance to witness one of Aotearoa's most vital and exhilarating new works live in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Scoop
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Te Tangi A Te Tūī Takes Flight On Te Ika-A-Māui Tour
Press Release – Elephant Publicity Drawing together kaupapa Mori storytelling and contemporary cirque, Te Tangi a Te T unfolds as an evocative meditation on identity and resilience, in the face of colonisation. The result is a dazzling synthesis of form and meaning at once This August, the powerful theatrical experience Te Tangi a Te Tūī will soar across Aotearoa for a much-anticipated Te Ika-a-Māui tour. Presented by Te Pou Theatre and The Dust Palace, in association with PANNZ (Performing Arts Network of New Zealand), this groundbreaking work brings together the resonance of te reo Māori storytelling and the visceral beauty of circus. Following its international premiere in Vancouver and an acclaimed Aotearoa season at Te Pou Theatre during Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki, Te Tangi a Te Tūī now travels to five North Island centres, inviting audiences across the motu to experience a work that is visually arresting, emotionally stirring, and deeply rooted in te ao Māori. Co-written by longtime collaborators Amber Curreen (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Roroa) and Tainui Tukiwaho (Te Arawa, Tūhoe), the work fuses kapa haka, acrobatics, and breathtaking aerial artistry to tell a story of reclamation, remembrance and return. Tūī soaks up the world around it & responds in song. Though beautiful, his tune now is a faint echo of what it once was when Aotearoa was blanketed in the ngāhere, flutes of patupaiarehe filled the trees & Māori alone walked gently upon their mother. Drawing together kaupapa Māori storytelling and contemporary cirque, Te Tangi a Te Tūī unfolds as an evocative meditation on identity and resilience, in the face of colonisation. The result is a dazzling synthesis of form and meaning – at once poetic, political, and unforgettable. Performed entirely in te reo Māori, the production surrounds audiences with the richness of the language and its cultural resonance. Those who are fluent or on their te reo Māori journey will enjoy the full immersion experience. Those with limited knowledge of te reo Māori and wishing to engage more deeply will be provided with a full English-language synopsis and radio play upon booking. This ensures the work remains accessible to all, allowing audiences to connect with the performance at whatever level suits them. ' Te Tangi a Te Tūī is about our collective remembering,' says co-writer and co-director Tainui Tukiwaho. 'It's about reclaiming language, whakapapa and the stories that have been waiting patiently for us to return to them. And we're doing it in a way that celebrates Māori innovation, power and wairua.' Producer Rachael Dubois (The Dust Palace) echoes this sentiment: 'This work lives at the intersection of everything we love – high-calibre physical performance, kaupapa Māori storytelling, and deep collaboration. It's an incredibly special show, and audiences who see it are going to be moved, challenged, and inspired.' 'A masterclass in kaupapa Māori storytelling and physical theatre… unlike anything else on the Aotearoa stage.' — Theatreview 'Visually spectacular and emotionally resonant. The standing ovation was immediate and well deserved.' — NZ Herald 'A transformative, deeply moving experience. The power of te reo Māori and circus together is breathtaking.' — Radio New Zealand This collaboration between Māori-led performing arts company Te Pou Theatre and contemporary circus innovators The Dust Palace, Te Tangi a Te Tūī is supported by PANNZ as part of its mission to bring bold, original Aotearoa stories to communities around the country. Amber Curreen, co-writer and co-director, is a driving force in Māori theatre and a champion of kaupapa Māori creative leadership. As Pou Whakahaere of Te Pou Theatre, she has led the development of numerous new works and initiatives. Tainui Tukiwaho, also co-writer and co-director, brings over 20 years of stage and screen experience to the project, with a reputation for fearless storytelling and uplifting Māori voices. With its soaring physicality, poetic power and fierce cultural heart, Te Tangi a Te Tūī is a landmark work of Aotearoa theatre. A celebration of whakapapa, te taiao, and the enduring voice of our tūpuna, this is a story that calls us home. Tickets go on sale in May. Visit for booking details and resources. Rotorua Sir Howard Morrison Centre Sunday 10 – Monday 11 August Taranaki TSB Showplace Thursday 14 – Friday 15 August tsb-showplace Whangārei Forum North Tuesday 19 – 20 August Forum-North Kerikeri Turner Centre Friday 22 – Saturday 23 August
Scoop
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Te Tangi A Te Tūī Takes Flight On Te Ika-a-māui Tour
This August, the powerful theatrical experience Te Tangi a Te Tūī will soar across Aotearoa for a much-anticipated Te Ika-a-Māui tour. Presented by Te Pou Theatre and The Dust Palace, in association with PANNZ (Performing Arts Network of New Zealand), this groundbreaking work brings together the resonance of te reo Māori storytelling and the visceral beauty of circus. Following its international premiere in Vancouver and an acclaimed Aotearoa season at Te Pou Theatre during Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki, Te Tangi a Te Tūī now travels to five North Island centres, inviting audiences across the motu to experience a work that is visually arresting, emotionally stirring, and deeply rooted in te ao Māori. Co-written by longtime collaborators Amber Curreen (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Roroa) and Tainui Tukiwaho (Te Arawa, Tūhoe), the work fuses kapa haka, acrobatics, and breathtaking aerial artistry to tell a story of reclamation, remembrance and return. Tūī soaks up the world around it & responds in song. Though beautiful, his tune now is a faint echo of what it once was when Aotearoa was blanketed in the ngāhere, flutes of patupaiarehe filled the trees & Māori alone walked gently upon their mother. Drawing together kaupapa Māori storytelling and contemporary cirque, Te Tangi a Te Tūī unfolds as an evocative meditation on identity and resilience, in the face of colonisation. The result is a dazzling synthesis of form and meaning – at once poetic, political, and unforgettable. Performed entirely in te reo Māori, the production surrounds audiences with the richness of the language and its cultural resonance. Those who are fluent or on their te reo Māori journey will enjoy the full immersion experience. Those with limited knowledge of te reo Māori and wishing to engage more deeply will be provided with a full English-language synopsis and radio play upon booking. This ensures the work remains accessible to all, allowing audiences to connect with the performance at whatever level suits them. ' Te Tangi a Te Tūī is about our collective remembering,' says co-writer and co-director Tainui Tukiwaho. 'It's about reclaiming language, whakapapa and the stories that have been waiting patiently for us to return to them. And we're doing it in a way that celebrates Māori innovation, power and wairua.' Producer Rachael Dubois (The Dust Palace) echoes this sentiment: 'This work lives at the intersection of everything we love – high-calibre physical performance, kaupapa Māori storytelling, and deep collaboration. It's an incredibly special show, and audiences who see it are going to be moved, challenged, and inspired.' 'A masterclass in kaupapa Māori storytelling and physical theatre… unlike anything else on the Aotearoa stage.' — Theatreview 'Visually spectacular and emotionally resonant. The standing ovation was immediate and well deserved.' — NZ Herald 'A transformative, deeply moving experience. The power of te reo Māori and circus together is breathtaking.' — Radio New Zealand This collaboration between Māori-led performing arts company Te Pou Theatre and contemporary circus innovators The Dust Palace, Te Tangi a Te Tūī is supported by PANNZ as part of its mission to bring bold, original Aotearoa stories to communities around the country. Amber Curreen, co-writer and co-director, is a driving force in Māori theatre and a champion of kaupapa Māori creative leadership. As Pou Whakahaere of Te Pou Theatre, she has led the development of numerous new works and initiatives. Tainui Tukiwaho, also co-writer and co-director, brings over 20 years of stage and screen experience to the project, with a reputation for fearless storytelling and uplifting Māori voices. With its soaring physicality, poetic power and fierce cultural heart, Te Tangi a Te Tūī is a landmark work of Aotearoa theatre. A celebration of whakapapa, te taiao, and the enduring voice of our tūpuna, this is a story that calls us home. Tickets go on sale in May. Visit for booking details and resources. Tauranga Baycourt Community and Arts Centre Wednesday 6 – Thursday 7 August Rotorua Sir Howard Morrison Centre Sunday 10 – Monday 11 August Taranaki TSB Showplace Thursday 14 - Friday 15 August tsb-showplace Whangārei Forum North Tuesday 19 - 20 August Forum-North Kerikeri Turner Centre Friday 22 - Saturday 23 August
