What began as an experience in biculturalism between Māori and Pākehā grew into Taki Rua Theatre, the unofficial national Māori theatre company. As we tour the motu with the latest ensemble of young artists, we witness the deeply personal and politically visionary story of the 30-year struggle to create a truly bicultural force, and the wāhine toa who agitated for change.
Post the 1981 Springbok tour, as New Zealanders were embracing a new maturity of valuing their own identity, a group of liberal-minded Pākehā theatre practitioners took over the running of an unwanted theatre space in downtown Wellington near Downstage Theatre.
The New Depot focused on New Zealand stories for New Zealand audiences. Within a few years the original collective’s thinking grew to understand that to truly represent our stories, they needed to be in partnership with Māori and the humble theatre company evolved into Taki Rua Theatre.
Taki Rua has survived financial struggles, creative disputes, earthquakes, intolerance, and internal conflict to navigate its place today as the unofficial national Māori theatre of Aotearoa.
In her film, director Whetū Fala connects with Taki Rua actors, writers, producers, directors, staff, governors and te reo Māori advocates who have helped shape the theatre company over the last 40 years – the experiences and challenges faced by Taki Rua mirroring our journey towards nationhood.
Director, Screenplay: Whetū Fala
Consulting Director: Christina Asher
Producers: Whetū Fala, Selina Joe
Executive Producers: Gaylene Preston, Reikura Kahi