Hīkoi: driving change and challenging perceptions

Audience response to Hīkoi shows the power of theatre to drive change and challenge perceptions.

With themes of growing up Maori in NZ, family and sibling relationships, and the feeling of separation from culture, Hīkoi has resonated strongly with Maori and Pakeha audiences alike.

"... it made me laugh, cry and remember" L.A. of Wellington

"Very thought-provoking show about so much. ...I will be thinking about this play for a while." M.E.

Hāpai Productions Tapui Limited, a Wellington based theatre company founded by Nancy Brunning and Tanea Heke, is creating theatre works with Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) themes for audiences in Wellington, throughout Aotearoa and around the world (eventually)!

Nancy's debut play is based on her own experiences growing up Maori in NZ in the 70s and 80s and gives insight into not just her own generation, but also her parents'.

It is this personal connection and understanding in Nancy's writing that has audiences most intrigued as they follow two generations through the 70s and 80s and remember their own childhood – the good, the bad and the hilarious.

"I know your characters like my life." L.S. of Auckland

"... a delicious reflection of our youth" P.M. of Rotorua

"You made me laugh (a lot)
You made me cray (a little)
... you got so much right that I was there again." N.P.

Hikoi only has five performances left so book today to ensure you don't miss out. Book online at www.circa.co.nz or call the box office on 04 801 7992

Hīkoi: Then and Now

The 70s and 80 was a formative time for Aotearoa with much going on politically and socially. In Hīkoi, and set against this backdrop, we meet two ordinary, extraordinary characters Charlie and Nellie who fall in love, have kids and endeavour to live happily ever after. And, as often happens, it is left to the children to make sense of decisions made on their behalf by the people who love them.

Hīkoi boasts an impressive cast and crew and we asked them what they were like and what was important to them as teenagers.

Nancy Brunning (1989) – Writer and Director (Ngāti Raukawa; Ngāi Tūhoe)
When I was a teenager I was busy, nerdy, stroppy. John Lennon Glasses were awesome, and so were whales and tasseled edged scarves...and wrist watches. Finishing 7th form was important, my friends and not getting pregnant before I left home...

Jarod Rawiri (1996) – Actor (Ngāti Whanaunga; Ngāti Tūwharetoa; Ngāti Hine)
When I was a teenager I was lanky, sporty and thoughtful. My mate Geoff and I outside his family’s restaurant “Hurricanes Grill' in Bondi, Sydney. We were 16 and spent the summer working here and checking out the sites of Sydney.

Kali Kopae (2001) – Actor (Te Arawa; Ngāti Whakaue; Ngāti Pūkeko; Ngāti Awa)
When I was a teenager I was vain, rough and ambitious. Important to me when I was 16 was hang time with my friends and school holidays on my Grandparents farm with my brother.

Mara TK (2002) - Sound Design (Kai Tahu; Ngāti Kahungunu; Maniapoto)
When I was a teenager I was bashful, optimistic and a virgin. This photo is from my first trip to Wellington, I'd just been published by Huia for a story in Te Reo Māori...when I left kura kaupapa I lost the language - now, through my own daughter being enrolled in kohanga reo, I'm finally getting it back.

Gavin Rutherford (1987) - Actor
When I was a teenager I was sunburnt, awkward and pink. I grew up on the beach. Scottish skin. Scabs and cracked lips.

Miria George (1998) – Actor (Te Arawa; Ngāti Awa; Arorangi; Rarotonga & Areora, Atiu, Kuki Arani)
At 18 years old, I just wanted to be a citizen of world, in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, hitchhiking with Hanne.

Amy Macaskill (1998) - Costume Design (Kai Tahu)
When I was a teenager I was busy, ambitious, searching. The same basic things were Important to me then as they are now, Fashion and Friends. This photo is from a 'fashion shoot' way before selfies were a thing.

Aroha White (2002) – Actor (Ngā Puhi)
When I was a teenager I was bubbly, sneaky and creative.

When I was a teenager the most important thing in my life were my friends and family, I don't think that part of me has changed at all.

Wai Mihinui (2003) – Set and Publicity Design (Ngāti Raukawa)
When I was a teenager I was loud, vibrant, immature. Friends and goofing around was important to me during my high school time. I have fond memories of running around and being silly a lot of the time.

Hine Parata-Walker (2007) – Actor (Ngāti Porou; Kai Tahu)
Important was not embarrassing myself. Trying to get out of swimming training. Getting in the front row of the kapa haka group.

Ngakopa Volkerling (2001) – Actor (Ngāti Wai; Ngāti Hine; Taranaki)
When I was a teenager I was cheeky, loyal and outspoken As a teenager what was most important to me was finishing high school, being able to tell my Nan I went to university, not being pregnant before my time and the well being of my siblings and niece. As well as getting drunk, hanging out with friends and ... boys.

The Te Kākano Season of Hīkoi opens at Circa Theatre in Wellington on Saturday 28 June and runs for two weeks. Bookings can be made at Circa 04 801 7992 or www.circa.co.nz

Clybourne Park

CLYBOURNE PARK – the “outrageously funny” hit play that has scooped nearly every honour the theatre has to give, including the Tony Award for Best Play 2012, Olivier Award, the Evening Standard Award and the Pulitzer Prize.  

All the actors play two completely different roles – one in 1959 and the other in 2009. Here are their comments on being in this amazing play …

Nancy Brunning

NANCY BRUNNING

Francine / Lena

“Lorraine Hansberry's 'A Raisin in the Sun' explores the American dream smashed through the eyes of a proud black family trying to make a life for themselves in Chicago in the 1950s and I was interested to see that Bruce Norris had taken characters and events from this play to explore themes of race and class - in the 50s and the present, but from a white perspective. By making connections in this way it allows you to see many sides and layers of the American unease.  I enjoy writers such as Hansberry, Norris and Letts who don't tell you how their plays should make you feel, but rather prick at your subconscious and ask you, am I like this character, do I behave in that way?”

Previous roles: Shortland St (Nurse Jaki Manu), Waiora, Blue Smoke, Awatea

Jade Daniels

JADE DANIELS

Albert / Kevin

“I’m loving seeing how attitudes have changed from 50s America to 2009, and the relation to our own in NZ. Clybourne Park highlights the fact that we’ve still got some talking to do, and some of that talking gets dirty!!

Previous roles: Blood Wedding, The Arrival

Andrew Foster

ANDREW FOSTER

Karl / Steve

“Clybourne Park is brilliantly clever, and just so much fun to play. It’s a special play! There is so much depth in the writing: it's as provocative as it is hilarious. I think audiences are going to find it incredibly rewarding.”

Previous roles: God of Carnage, Ninety, Mauritius

Nikki MacDonnell

NIKKI MACDONNELL

Bev / Kathy

"I love this play, it doesn’t pull any punches and it’s one of those rare combinations of depth in story and comedy, well deserving of its many prizes. How could I turn down a part in a play that’s won a Pulitzer and a Tony Award, and become Sea Scout Leader, in the same month! You’d grab these opportunities with both hands, right?"

Previous roles: Paua, The December Brother, Sex Drive

Danielle Mason

DANIELLE MASON

Betsy / Lindsey

“Clybourne Park is unapologetically provocative. It has all the ingredients for a fantastic night of theatre. The audience are sure to be thrilled by the snappy dialogue and outrageous twists and turns – prepare for the unexpected!”

Previous roles: Red Riding Hood, Betrayal, The Motor Camp

Gavin Rutherford

Gavin Rutherford

Russ / Dan

“Clybourne Park is an hilariously funny, explosive smash hit comedy from the US which exposes our 21st century prejudices by juxtaposing them with 1950s’ prejudices. We watch the intolerance and bigotry of an American community in the 1950s and laugh at the misunderstandings and blatancy of their racism; but the play really comes into its own when we see a 'modern' liberal meeting break down into pettiness and intolerance with laugh-out-loud consequences. It is one of my favourite experiences as an actor to have fun with flawed characters, and this play has them in spades. Also, there is a shovel in the play.”

Previous roles: Le Sud, West End Girls, All My Sons

Paul Waggott

PAUL WAGGOTT

Jim / Tom

“This script is absolutely hilarious and with the cast assembled, I'm having a whale of a time. I can't wait to share the laughs with audiences in Wellington!”

Previous roles: Death and the Dreamlife of Elephants, West End Girls, Eight.

Clybourne Park opens on 8 September in Circa One and runs until 6 October. Tickets are available now - contact the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz.