Matariki for Tamariki
Bruce Mason Center | 12th July 2019

Filling the Bruce Mason Centre with joy, laughter, and intrigue, Matariki for Tamariki presents the stories and celebrations behind our Matariki Stars.

Choreographer Sean MacDonald has created a beautiful piece aimed at our tamariki to educate and entertain, but I must admit, I feel like some of the content went over the little one's heads. It was a sophisticated approach amidst plenty of laughter (from both kids and adults) as we watched the dancers pop in and out of their comedic roles. Their grace on stage is always stunning, and I admire their technique, flow and lines. The New Zealand Dance Company members are sharp and some of the country's top contemporary dancers.

Others and I were particularly responsive to Carl Tolentinol, who welcomed us all with charm and wit—entertaining us all before the show in a series of rhythm, coordination and comedy bits. A smart move to get the kids engaged and invested with the performer before jumping into the show. 

The showcase of the NZDC youth workshop at the beginning was a treat. It engrossed us with the piece they had workshopped that week, along with the company and faculty. I loved that the NZDC youth could be intertwined into sections of the show. How amazing it was to be able to perform alongside these professionals!

Designer Rona Ngahuia Osborne has equipped the performance in a fun and playful way, with sets and props mostly made out of cardboard, coloured with paints, and props given larger-than-life details. Simple and effective. Sound designer Alistair Deverick mixed sounds in with dialogued text to help convey the images and story of Matariki, which was helpful. The dancing was the driving force, and at times, the soundtrack faded into the background. 

I enjoyed the section around the eyes of Tāwhirimātea (god of the winds) with big exaggerated eyes turning into confetti across the stage, executed by dancer Eddie Elliott. While this section of Tāwhirimātea was clear, I was unsure about the sections that followed. It felt under-explored with less depth and clarity. Still engaged by beautiful choreography and dancers, however, I found myself and the tamariki becoming restless. Perhaps the 1-hour show with no break was a bit much for some. The comedy sections scattered throughout did bring them back to the performer's side, though perhaps some of the teachings of Matariki were lost. Whilst I had a beautifully designed program outlining the ideas and story in greater detail, the kids did not. 

There was energic tamariki dancing around after the show. The interactive butterfly screen in the foyer had many engaged and joining in. With plenty of smiles, the show is a success! Most contemporary dance is seen as an abstract art form that only a few get, which has a handful of truth, but how often do we see professional dancers and dance companies creating works for our young? Take your kids, nieces, nephews, and cousins and join in the world of dance and all it can offer! Let's get our tamariki involved in the arts—three shows left on 19th and 20th July at the Magere Arts Centre.

- Review for Up Your Arts 2019