TE WHEKE SWIMS ACROSS THE MOTU AGAIN AFTER A SUCCESSFUL PREMIERE TOUR IN 2021
The explosive, full-length and large-scale dance work Te Wheke is set to tour for one night only to Ngāmotu / New Plymouth on August 26, Heretaunga / Hawkes Bay on August 31 and Te Papa-i-Oea / Palmerston on September 9.
“Reimagining Atamira over the deep plunge into the pandemic, Te Wheke then arrived on a surging wave to commemorate our 21st year milestone of creating and presenting inspirational Māori contemporary dance” Artistic Director, Jack Gray
Drawing on the whakapapa of Atamira Dance Company’s illustrious continuum and inspired by the symbology of the Octopus as kaitiaki, this large full-length work was collectively created by the leading navigators of Māori contemporary dance.
"Te Wheke is sublimely fluid and unwaveringly beautiful" - Meagan Seawright, Theatreview
“A well-balanced show that captures the essence of Atamira as a company and their 21-year history…an awesome experience that people need to see” - Anton Carter, Theatreview
“The integration of generations — of choreography, dancers and ancestors — makes a work that bends time: eras fold into one another” - Dr Mark James Hamilton, Theatreview
Eight dancers and eight choreographic practitioners - tuakana and teina, journey into the esoteric dimensions of human experience, revealing the eight tentacles of Te Wheke – Mauri, Whānau, Wairua, Whatumanawa, Hinengaro, Mana Ake, Tupuna, Tinana.
Solo and ensemble movement expressions occur within a sleek shape shifting world of floating black silk. Layers of Te Ao Māori emanate through accomplished patterns of video design, mesmeric soundscapes and subtle shimmering garments with reflective lighting enhancing the darkness and light.
Te Wheke is a powerful tohu for many Oceanic peoples, appearing in different mythologies. This guardian of the seas has many strengths and abilities. “When the name ‘Te Wheke came to us we discovered the late Rangimarie Rose Pere’s model of hauora which aligned a Mātauranga Maori dimension of health and wellbeing to each of the eight tentacles. We chose to honour her model in our choreographic structure”, says Marama Lloydd, Executive Director of Atamira Dance Company.
TE WHEKE plays
Ngāmotu / New Plymouth
TSB Showplace
Friday 26th August, 7:30pm + post show talk
Tickets*
Heretaunga / Hawkes Bay
Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre
Wednesday 31st August, 7:30pm + post show talk
Tickets*
Te Papa-i-Oea / Palmerston
North Regent on Broadway
Friday 9th September, 7:30pm + post show talk
Tickets*
*Booking fees may apply.
TE WHEKE ROOPŪ
Artistic Director - Jack Gray
Co-Directors -Taane Mete, Kelly Nash
Choreoturg - Dolina Wehipeihana
Practitioners - Jack Gray, Bianca Hyslop, Taane Mete, Kelly Nash, Louise Potiki Bryant, Kura Te Ua, Gabrielle Thomas, Dolina Wehipeihana
2022 Performers - Sean MacDonald (New Plymouth) / Taane Mete (Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North), Nancy Wijohn, Abbie Rogers, Cory-Toalei Roycroft, Madi Tumataroa, Caleb Heke, Sherrick Martin, Dana Moore-Mudgway
Design - Louise Potiki Bryant, Paddy Free, John Verryt, Vanda Karolczak, Marama Lloydd
Brand Campaign - Osborne Shiwan
Executive Producer - Marama Lloydd
Producer - Alana Basile
Production Manager - Vanda Karolczak
Marketing Co-ordinator - Abbie Rogers