[Carol]

We have all just been to see the stage show "Maui" in Wellington's St James theatre. (Final night)

It was one of the most astonishing shows I've ever seen with trapeze work going on above the audience etc.

To be honest - my knowledge of Maori myths is limited.....and my knowledge of Te Reo (Maori language) even more limited.

As the whole show was in Maori - I felt we missed out somewhat - there was a lot of folks laughing at parts of the dialogue that I really had no idea about.

So..... anyway....

We got to the final curtain call - great applause from all the audience.

Then to our astonishment - a group of Maori youths in the audience (some with the most punky hairstyles!!) stood up and began a Haka.

The cast were still all on stage ........it was so obviously NOT a planned thing at all.
Within seconds the cast were also joining in....and the whole place was echoing with the sounds of the chant.


It was mind blowingly moving and perhaps THE most passionate thing I have ever seen in New Zealand.

WHAT an experience!!
The whole theatre erupted when they had finished.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3287904a8153,00.html


Carol

[Diny]

That would have blown me away !!!!!!!

I sobbed my way through a Maori concert last year 'cos I found it so moving, I would have been a basket case had I been with you.

I'm very much 'into' that kind of thing - sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Diny

[kiwidebs]

Just the thought of it has sent shivers up my spine. Wow!!!

Debs

[sarahw]

Hi Carol,

We went to see Maui too last week - it was wonderful - they're taking it round the world once its finished in NZ. It took 4 years to make it & I think they used trainers from De La Guarda - if anyone's seen that or Cirque du Soleil you'll get an idea of what the trapeze artists are up to! I thought the use of fabric was really fantastic!

The fact it was in Maori really didn't spoil enjoyment but you're right there were some jokes we didn't get. One of my friends was with me who had studied Maori culture and explained a bit of what was going on & why it was funny which helped.

I'm off to book a Te Reo course for next year, fed up of not being able to pronounce things properly & work with Maori community groups as part of my job so its pretty much a necessity!!! :exit

[Carol]

I think they used trainers from De La Guarda - if anyone's seen that or Cirque du Soleil you'll get an idea of what the trapeze artists are up to! I thought the use of fabric was really fantastic!




Sarah - Craig's circus school teacher - Alice Capper-Starr was one of the "Ensemble"

[FlyingDutchman]

:eek :eek I was in Wellington last weekend and I've also been to Maui, also the final night, so we must've been there both :eek. And I also found that Haka the most fantastic thing of the whole night! Really amazing!
Anyway, I also found it very very good show, I really enjoyed it!