Wairea Company proudly present Atua Wahine – a powerful musical and movement piece that breathes life into the ancient narratives of Māori goddesses. Directed and designed by Rangipo Ihakara in collaboration with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, this work brings together female performers of all ages in a celebration of Atua Wahine through Māori contemporary dance, classical orchestration, and taonga puoro.
This piece is the second phase of Wairea’s exploration into Atua Wahine, following their debut collaboration with Heipūkarea - an event that celebrated wahine Māori creatives across disciplines and supported the launch of Hana Tapiata’s book Atua Wahine - The ancient wisdom of Māori goddesses. That experience inspired the company to go deeper, reconnecting with atua through movement, sound and story.
Atua Wahine is more than a performance, it’s an offering and an invitation. Through sensory experience, the audience is encouraged to connect with their own consciousness to reflect, create, feel discomfort and find comfort.
Thursday 11 September 7PM
Friday 12 September 11AM & 7PM
Saturday 13 September 11AM
Please note: Friday’s evening show following the performance will include a look into the behind the scenes creation of Atua Wahine and Q & A sessions with Rangipo Ihakara and Hana Tapiata, and additional performances from the NZSO.
Disclaimer: Atua Wahine includes lighting that may affect those with light sensitivity, and features moments of partial nudity presented in an artistic context; parental discretion is advised. Matinee shows will be presented with content considerations appropriate for younger audiences.
If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, please get in touch with us directly so we can ensure the best possible experience.
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