Te Ope o Rehua
Contemporary Performing Arts
This committee was formed in 1988 to promote the growth and development of contemporary Maori dance and drama.
Committee members:
Stephen Bradshaw - Pouwhakahaere (Auckland)
Initially a funding scheme helped raise the profile of the committee. The committee hosted workshops on the traditional performing arts. These proved popular with tertiary students who wanted access to this training.
In 1998 the 'National Hui on Contemporary Maori Performing Arts' at Tuhono Marae in Porirua, featured artists presenting papers and case studies towards the development of a strategy for the performing arts. Speakers included Tama Huata, Wi Kuki Kaa, Keri Kaa, Piri Sciascia, , Hone Kouka, Jim Moriarty and Roma Potiki.
The issue of a base for Maori dance/theatre was discussed. Taki Rua Theatre in Wellington had developed a reputation for encouraging the mounting of Maori performance. However the struggle to also maintain a venue was beyond available resources and it closed. It is now a strong producer and tour agency for theatre.
Another issue was the revival of a full time Maori Contemporary Dance Company. Tai Ao was the most recent full-time company. The establishment of Ahi Wai, Atamira, Mika Torotoro and Merenia Gray Dance Company showed promise. There were concerns for the sustainability of Maori dance choreographers and dancers. Work in mainstream companies was available and few Maori choreographers were developing work for production. The increasing number of Maori performing arts tutors in the tertiary sector is a promising area for development.
Kapa Haka continues to provide the principal area of performing arts for Maori. The contemporary choreographic elements filtering into this area are promising.
For the next three years, Te Ope O Rehua will commission two new choreographic pieces each year. This will produce a suite of works Te Ope O Rehua will actively promote into festivals and events.
In January 2001 Madame Germaine Acogny of Senegal/France led a national workshop. Te Ope O Rehua will continue to monitor the effects of this project and its effect on new choreographic works utilising ideas offered by Madame Acogny's training.