Manawa: Playwright's Notes and Audience Responses

Writer/performer/producer Jamie McCaskill tells drama on the waterfront about his history with Circa, and discusses his experiences with staging the first work through his new company, Tikapa Productions.

Kia Ora

Nga Puke ki Hauraki ka tarehu

E mihi ana ki te whenua

E tangi ana ki te tangata

E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga uri o Hauraki,

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa.

Jamie McCaskill

I first graced the stage at Circa Theatre in 2003 in When Sun And Moon Collide by Briar Grace Smith, directed by Keryn Palmer. I remember being in awe of the place and of the theatre practitioners moving around the building, intent on creating the best show possible. Since that time I have been involved at Circa as an actor, a writer, a set builder, an audience member and I’ve even played gigs in the foyer for opening and closing night celebrations with my band Smokey Feel.

My current role at Circa is another thing altogether as I come under the “Producer” banner, and I couldn’t think of a better environment to be in to try my hand at producing.

Tikapa Productions is a company formed by Kali Kopae and myself so we can have ownership on what stories we would like to tell.  Through our combined experience we have found a niche of storytelling, which we would like to explore and develop. Meeting our sponsors, Poutama, was an invaluable experience and I know our team had a fantastic evening with them talking about the show and also getting to know what happens behind the scenes of the Te Awe Maori Business Networks. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Carolyn Henwood for making that partnership happen. Staging Manawa has been both nerve wracking and exciting as we have pulled together a team of absolute professionals who have challenged us to put together a production of a very high standard. Working with high calibre designers such as Jennifer Lal and Brian King reminds us that we shouldn’t aim for anything less.

Kali Kopae

The feedback and reviews we have received about Manawa have been amazing, and as a writer I will continue to develop this piece, aided by the direction of Regan Taylor and my talented cast, to give it a long and healthy life.

Ma te wa

Jamie McCaskill

Audience responses on opening night:

“Fabulous, absolutely fabulous. I love the last line.” 

“Just incredible, really powerful but also funny” 

"The funniness of the characters and how I could relate to them freaked me out in a buzzy way” 

"I really enjoyed the performers. I laughed heartily. I really loved the scenes in Samoan." 

"It was beautiful and moving, it was beautiful to hear Samoan spoken on stage and pretty profound." 

Natano  Keni

Manawa is on in Circa Two until 13 October. To book, please call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or go online www.circa.co.nz.

Manawa

The world premiere of MANAWA by Jamie McCaskill (He Reo Aroha, Robin Hood) opens this Saturday at Circa Two. Shocking, challenging and very funny, the play explores our contemporary justice system and the media’s role in high profile criminal cases. Jimmy King is loosely based on Bailey Junior Kurariki, New Zealand’s youngest killer. Like Kurariki, Jimmy is caught up as an accessory to the crime and there starts a life in and out of prison.

Kali Kopae (Beat Girls, He Reo Aroha, Robin Hood) plays Waimanea Huia, a ruthless lawyer determined to steer Jimmy away from his past and into rehabilitation. Mau Vaianga has recently arrived in Aotearoa from Samoa, played by Natano Keni (Lord of the Rings, Once were Samoans), has been accused of a crime against a kakapo committed out of ignorance and it results in public outrage and a media storm. Waimanea gleefully takes on his case and therein starts the enthralling narrative full of twists and turns.

Mau and Jimmy become unlikely friends stuck in a prison cell together.

Jimmy: “You managed to find a hot as white missus cause she thought you were a rich star but you got too pissed, she pushed your buttons and you gave her the bash. Now you’re here. Am I right?”

Audiences will be treated to a live soundtrack by extremely talented Thames musician Simon Donald, a stunning set by Bryan King and inspired lighting design from renowned practitioner Jennifer Lal.

Here’s a word from our actors about their characters:

Jamie McCaskill

Jimmy King

"Jimmy king is a career criminal who has been in and out of jail for most of his life. This play is just a slice of Jimmy’s life in his 30’s where he has realised who he is and how he fits in the world.  We also show a softer side to Jimmy that should give the audience a sense of hope and empathy for this very flawed character. I look forward to bringing him to life on stage."

Kali Kopae         

Waimanea Huia

"Waimanea is a strong confident academic who throughout her life has succeeded in everything. Her Iwi have put her through law school, so she has some obligations. Throughout the play you can see her arrogance as confidence blinds her, pushing for a result that will benefit her career rather than her clients’ real needs. Though she may come across as a steam roller, there is a soft side to this woman, who really does know right from wrong and if circumstances were different she would go down the right avenue. Bringing Waimanea to life will be a challenge that I look forward to."

Natano Keni

Mau Vaiaga

"Mau Vaiaga is a representation of hopes and dreams about a son of Samoa who has gone abroad in search of a better life for their family. Having the opportunity to play Mau Vaianga I hope to reveal a new Samoan character with hopes and dreams, being a respected man at home and what happens when he is lost in translation in a new country."

Find us on Facebook: Tikapa Productions

Manawa opens on 15 September and runs until 13 October - $25 tickets on Friday, 14 September and Sunday, 16 September. To book, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or go online www.circa.co.nz. 

A good time with your family: Robin Hood

After delighting audiences throughout the country (including a season at Circa earlier this year) and around the world in He Reo Aroha, Jamie McCaskill returns to Circa to take the title role in Roger Hall’s Robin Hood, the Pantomime. He tells drama on the waterfront all about what it’s like to play that “good fulla” Robin Hood.

DOTW: Most of us know the classic story of Robin Hood – has anything changed in the pantomime version of it?

JM: All the typical characters are there apart from one of my favourites, Will Scarlett. We’re made outlaws because of the evil Prince John.  The Sheriff of Nottingham collects taxes, Robin falls in love with Maid Marian and he splits an arrow at the archery contest. That’s all there but I’m pretty sure that Robin Hood’s mother hasn’t featured this much in any other version of Robin Hood. This will definitely get the record for the most times “Nonny nonny no” has ever been said in a Robin Hood story, and the sheriff has a pet viking called Thor.

DOTW: The last time you were at Circa, you starred with Kali Kopae in He Reo Aroha. Now you’re back and starring together in Robin Hood – how would you describe/compare each experience?

JM: He Reo Aroha was a huge creative process for Kali and myself which made the experience of that show a lot more personal to us. Being in Robin Hood is relaxing in a way that we can keep it at arms length, we can have fun with it, we put in the hard work, but we’re not being effected by the pressure of presenting our own kaupapa in regards to story telling. We’re just enjoying being actors solely and putting 100% into that and bringing Roger’s script to life.

DOTW: How does it feel to play the title character, Robin Hood? What do you think of him?

JM: It’s pretty cool. I’m having a lot of fun and Sue gives us a lot of freedom in regards to working out our characters. Robin seems to be a bit of a good fulla who cares about the people. He likes singing and fighting in the bush. He doesn’t know what an orange is and he is an exceptional archer. What more can I say? I want to be him.

DOTW: What can you tell us about the rest of the cast?

JM: Loving working with Gavin Rutherford and Jeff Kingsford-Brown again, they’re cracking me up. I’m working with people who have years of experience in the craft so I sit there and watch how they work then steal their tricks. Weird thing is, Gavin seems to sing in an American accent. It’s just bizarre.

DOTW: What is the rehearsal process like for a show like this?

JM: It’s extremely frustrating until I get over myself.

DOTW: What can audiences expect from Roger Hall’s Robin Hood?

JM: They can expect a fast-paced, witty script with accessible humour. Crack up performances by actors I look up to, Kali Kopae singing beautifully, a smiling Michael Williams whose music you will be singing when you leave the theatre, and a good time with your family.

Nga mihi ki a koutou katoa

Robin Hood opens 13 November and runs until 23 December, returning in the New Year for a two week season, 4-15 January. Tickets are available by calling the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or going online at www.circa.co.nz. 

Celebrate the holidays with Robin Hood! Bring your family or a group of friends to the panto and enjoy a pre-show platter or dessert at Wharfside Restaurant. Platter (sweet or savoury) or dessert packages cost just $12.50 per person (beverages additional), on top of the ticket price. For more information, contact Audience Development Director Cara Hill at 801-8137.