This is an expertly crafted solo performance, delivered by a veteran of the New Zealand stage. John Davies inhabits nine characters, bringing to life an extraordinary corner of our history.

A Scottish lad of 10 is driven into slavery aboard his Majesties ships, circa 1800. After 15 years at sea he is cast onto the shoreline of Aotearoa.

The fight for survival begins.

The occurrences within the play are based in historical evidence, and yet this tattooed Pakeha remains a potent figure in todays political climate.

Ka whakahokia a Tupua he korero ia
Whakarongo ki te tangi ra kua pahemo.

Te Tupua will come and speak,
Listen to this cry from the past.
Haere mai Te Tupua

The performer operates as a cultural memory-worker; a cross between a shaman, an historian and a storyteller.

This play is suitable for ages 10 and up.

Reviews

Theatreview review – John Anderson

https://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=12911

“A bracing dive into our collective history and imagination”.

https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/te-tupua-the-goblin/#intense-fast-paced-tale-of-early-colonial-aotearoa

“Intense, fast-paced tale of early colonial Aotearoa”

For more information: https://www.johngdavies.nz/tetupuatour

Te Tupua The Goblin

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