PATUA written & directed by Renae Maihi
Fresh from one of New Zealand’s hottest Maori playwrights, Renae Maihi, comes PATUA, a brave
new story about the death of a small child at the hands of her family.
PATUA is a verb that means to strike, hit, beat, kill, subdue, ill-treat. This story centres on baby Moni who has been beaten to within an inch of her life, a life that was wrought with poverty, desperation and broken hearts. But her cry for justice and love will not be unheeded when in a twist of fate, her unknown extended whanau discover the truth and bury her as the princess she should have been.
Following two vastly different whanau of the same whakapapa, but different tikanga, PATUA constantly asks the question “what happened to make them behave like that?” It’s a play that will provoke audiences to consider ‘nature over nurture’ and whether the wider historical and social issues facing Maori, have played a role in creating the abusers.
Writer/ Director Renae Maihi says that PATUA mirrors society but its enduring message is that when all is said and done, this must never happen again:
“I am pleased to bring this important work to the stage. We’ve seen multiple cases of child abuse in New Zealand and though I am not saying it is specifically a Maori problem, it is undeniably so. It is my belief that real change can only happen from the inside so as an "insider" ie. a Maori woman, I decided it was necessary for me to write this play because the children we have lost during my life time is unacceptable to me. Writing this play is my way of exploring some of the tough realities, examining the issues and history that has given birth to these tragedies and suggesting the importance of maintaining ones culture because this is not our way.”
Before it has even hit the stage, PATUA is already scooping awards with Renae Maihi receiving Best Play by a Maori Playwright at the recent ADAM NZ Play Awards.
Featuring a stellar cast of superb talent, PATUA welcomes to the stage: William Davis, Stephen Butterworth, Aroha Hathaway, Maria Walker, Cian Elyse White, Vinnie Bennett, Mohi Critchley and introducting Ngahuia Piripi.
A new stage play presented by Blanket & Musket Productions
Written & Directed by Renae Maihi
SHOWING AT TAPAC THEATRE, 100 Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Wednesday 15 May 8.00pm
Thursday 16 May 8.00pm
Friday 17 May 1.00pm & 8.00pm
Saturday 18 May 8.00pm
Sunday 19 May 4.00pm
Thursday 23 May 8.00pm
Friday 24 May 8.00pm
Saturday 25 May 8.00pm
Sunday 26 May 4.00pm
Tickets cost $25 Waged and $20 Unwaged (booking fee may apply):
tickets@tapac.org.nz
Tapac Booking line: 09-845 0295 Ex 2
If you would like to arrange an interview please contact:
Hiona Henare
027-825-4348
Ends