He Reo Aroha

Tawata Productions’ He Reo Aroha is an unassuming and lovely reunion between two lovers through song. Created to showcase a side of Maori culture rarely seen in the media today, the nostalgic strains of traditional music are mixed with romantic new compositions by Hone Hurihanganui, Kali Kopae and Jamie McCaskill. He Reo Aroha returns to New Zealand for the International Arts Festival in Wellington after touring to Australia, Hawaii and Toronto, Canada.

He Reo Aroha tells the story of Kaia and Pascoe, two childhood sweethearts from Ti Kapa who still pine for one another although they are now worlds apart. The play begins in a New York music hall where Kaia is performing, resplendent in a silky red dress. “How many of you are looking for love?” she asks, and as a few audience members nervously applaud she smiles sympathetically. Kopae has a wonderfully bittersweet voice and as she sings accompanied by McCaskill on the guitar He Reo Aroha charms us from these first few notes.

From New York to Pascoe’s fishing boat, McCaskill and Kopae dexterously manover the stage to inhabit multiple characters with good humour and ease. The two actors share an undeniable chemistry and seem perfectly suited to the clever script McCaskill penned along with Miria George. Besides wooing us as the likeable Kaia, Kopae has the audience in stitches with her portrayal of Pascoe’s fishing buddy, a surprisingly philosophical first mate. Whether playing Kaia’s girl friend or the ancient ghost of her dead auntie, McCaskill embodies his roles with confidence and skill. A double date scene set in the local pub has both actors working overtime to hilarious result.

Keeping the staging simple allows director Hone Kouka to engage the audience with the cultural energy of this modern love story. With only their instruments to accompany them, our duo performs candidly in Maori and English. Those around me who knew the words sang along, celebrating the familiar everyday moments in the production. He Reo Aroha creates a community in the theatre that reminds us of why we love returning home.

Tawata Productions is an award-winning kaupapa Maori production house created by writers Hone Kouka and Miria George that works across mediums from theatre to film. He Reo Aroha will be performed in Otaki and Porirua as part of the NZ Arts Festival, but will return to Wellington for a limited engagement run at Circa Theatre from 16 June − 26 June, 2010.

The New Zealand International Arts Festival showcases a feast of music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts as artists from around the globe gather in Wellington from 26 February – 21 March, 2010.

Tawata Productions presents He Reo Aroha
9 & 10 March, Soundings Theatre, Te Papa
11 March at 7pm, Otaki College
12 March at 7pm, 13 March at 4pm, Pataka Museum, Porirua
Tickets available by calling 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538) or online