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Raising the Titanics

Written by Albert Belz
Directed by Raymond Hawthorne
SmackBang Theatre Company

Pa mai to reo Aroha.”

These were the opening words in Raising the Titanics and I feel I must relay them back to the cast and crew: “Your tender song is felt.”

I have never seen or been part of an audience whose response was to literally applaud after every scene (and to be honest, I think it was me who led the applause every time).

Set in the late 1990s, Aroha, a tenacious young journalist, hustles to find a story that will take her career to the top. Only to find that this very story must be an account of her parents’ swinging 60s band The Titanics. The history of how the band came together has everything she needs: drama and romance, music and frolicking good times.

Lou and Ripeka, Aroha’s parents, reveal the truths of their success as a the showband who toured the South Pacific and Saigon. The audience is carried through Aroha’s search as we meet the Twin Tiki’s Zac and Api, the epically talented Maori brothers who are reminiscent of Tui Teka and Howard Morrison all in one.

This, by the way is no little statement and my assertion is that Raising the Titanics captures the spirit of this era with brilliant eloquence.

Note to the Producers: please ensure you rally the support for another LONG season. Soon! All of Aotearoa must be given the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful taonga.

I am in awe of the masterful direction of Raymond Hawthorne. I was enraptured from the beginning to the end as this delightful story unfolded and emerged. I give thanks to Hawthorne’s mastery in weaving this charming tale together.

Equally evident was Set Designer Sean Coyle’s skill with a simply understated yet subtly poetic set design.

I must acknowledge the boys, Tama Waipara, Francis Kora and Wesley Dowdell for such charismatic and tender performances. Your charm and music is a feast for the soul. 

When Waipara takes centre stage his vocal prowess hypnotises and lulls us deeper into the emotional journey of the Titanics’ world. E te Matuitui, tangihia mai, waiatahia mai, mauria mai o taonga ki te ao whanui.
The women, Faye Smythe, Bronwyn Turei and Miriama McDowell, are all completely vivacious and absolutely stunning. Beautiful!
McDowells ability to encapsulate the will of the cougar Marea is enchanting and performed with dexterous flair.

Congratulations to you all; an exquisite cast.

There are so many hilarious moments, brilliant timing and mesmerising performances and song. I cannot do the play justice in this short review.
This is all I can write without spilling over completely (though I think I already have). Oh well what better play than this to go overboard?

Mauri Ora ki te Titanics! 
Reviewed by Tamati Patuwai, 2010