Taurite
Townhall Concert Chamber | 29 Feb - 1 Mar 2020
It is extremely satisfying to watch a physical performer work. To see the sweat dripping from foreheads, muscles pulsating and the expansion of bodies through breath. Hawaiki TŪ has created a stunning visual and emotional performance that gives audience members everything they were expecting and so much more.
From the moment I stepped into the performance space in the Auckland concert chamber(Townhall), I felt "energy", it seamlessly washed over me making me feel alive. As I take my seat I understand where this energy is radiating from. Performers waiting for us, both standing but most seated opposite and above me in the stalls and floor area. I feel calm but with a sense of anticipation. I'm anxious to see where the next hour takes me.
The set up is 4 big rocks aligned at the back with 2 centre stage, one under spotlight and 4 Pou's placed on each corner of the room, also under small spotlights. A waiata crescendos and my hairs stand up on ends. Tears abruptly arise, the longing of needing to reconnect, to go back "home" and continue to learn encompasses me. Thank you for the reminder.
Contemporary dance can be very subjective, however, the intentions of this work are clear and I congratulate them on this. Taurite explores the idea of balance. Balance within our culture, lives and the things that weigh us down. It was was nice to see the physical metaphor of the rocks being used in a myriad of ways. First by pushing them to where they wanted to be, dancing around and with them, picking them up, balancing on them and picking them up again to create something new out of the things that test us. Although at times there were some very small mishaps with choreography by some of the performs, it did not make it any less impressive. I enjoyed how the movements and song weaved into each other and kept the show progressing so that you never knew what was going to happen next.
A couple stand out moments were watching as the dancers balanced on the rocks and repeatedly squatted, the choreography and throwing of (Mau rākau) sticks, moments of synchronization and the two beautiful young kōtiro that joined the company halfway through, wrapped in red sheets and birthed onto the stage to then stand (with what I assume is a father or family member) to join in a waiata.
Lighting states where simple, with spotlights and a few gobos throwing weaved patterns on the floor. Hearing the choir of voices bouncing off the walls and into your soul and soundscape soundtracks that vibrate so cleanly is always a highlight in this beautiful space. We heard it all, the breath, rhythms and instruments.
Hawaiki TŪ has collaboratively created this beautiful piece within four days. Only four days!! The show currently stands at around 45-50mins, but I wished it had been longer. Kura Te Ua, who leads the company, has done a fantastic job with this new creation, and I look forward to seeing how it develops. It's how everything is brought and connected that I find most impressive and embracing. All elements working to create a visually stunning, emotionally grounding piece of theatre that gave me goosebumps.
I wish them all the best as they endeavour to reach more NZ audiences and share their performances. You have officially gained a supporter and groupie!
- Review for Up Your Arts 2019