There is a constant need for indigenous and children of diaspora in Oceania to tell our own stories. 

Aotearoa has experienced massive growth and popularity of spoken word poetry as young poets take to writing and sharing their own stories. However, there exists an extensive wealth of literature written by Pasifika and Māori pioneers, left unspoken and unshared in performance spaces. 

Upu Mai Whetū will revive the words, the upu, of early stars of Māori and Pasifika literature such as Albert Wendt, Apirana Taylor, Aistair Te Ariki Campbell, Teresia Teaiwa, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Tusiata Avia, Robert Sullivan, Karlo Mila, and more.

Curated by Grace Taylor, directed by Fasitua Amosa.

Starring Nicola Kawana, Rawiri Paratene, Mia Blake, Shimpal Lelisis, Gaby Solomona, Heto Ah Hi, and Ana Corbett.

Rediscover the way we came as we breathe the past into the present through our current Māori and Pasifika stars of stage and screen.

 

This event is part of Matariki Festival, 30 June - 22 July, proudly hosted by Auckland Council in partnership with Te Kawerau a Maki. More info and updates on www.matarikifestival.org.nz and Facebook, or pick up a programme from Monday 11 June. #matarikifestival

Kua tāpiri tēnei whakaaturanga ki te ahurei o Matariki mai I te 30 o Pipiri ki 22 o Hōngongoi. He kaupapa rangapū te ahurei ki waenganui I Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau me te iwi manaaki o Te Kawerau a Maki. Tirohia te whārangi ipurangi, te whārangi pukamata hoki mō ngā whakamārama. Ko ngā pukapuka hōtaka e wātea ana mai i te Rāhina, te 11 o Pipiri. 

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IMPORTANT
Please arrive 15 minutes before show start time. Latecomers admitted into the theatre at Basement's discretion – no refunds will be given.