Whale Rider Star to narrate Tuwhare production
New Zealand International Arts Festival
Media Release 31 January 2006
Maori actor Rawiri Paratene (Nga Puhi) has been confirmed as the narrator for upcoming New Zealand International Arts Festival co-production 'Tuwhare.'
Paratene gained international acclaim with the New Zealand film 'Whale Rider' and is well known and loved by New Zealanders in their 20s and 30s who grew up watching him on Playschool. Over the last 30 years in the entertainment industry, Paratene has won acclaim as an actor, writer, director, producer and tutor.
"It will be an honour to have Rawiri join us. Apart from the strength and professionalism of his work, he always brings his generous heart to every production. Hone, too, is delighted that Rawiri will be involved in the show," says 'Tuwhare' director Charlotte Yates.
Paratene will guide the audience through a celebration of New Zealand poet Hone Tuwhare's work in a unique concert by top recording artists from around Aotearoa.
"I am thrilled Rawiri has agreed to be the narrator of 'Tuwhare,'" says Carla van Zon, the Festival's Artistic Director. "I think he is absolutely perfect for this role, which continues his long association with the Festival. In the past he has performed in top-billing Festival productions 'Waiora' and 'Blue Smoke,' which toured extensively. In 2006 he will bring to life Hone Tuwhare's story. It's amazing - looking at them together you could almost say they were father and son, so the match is perfect," she adds.
12 recording artists from Hinemoana Baker to Te Kupu (Dean Hapeta of Upper Hutt Posse), WAI to Goldenhorse, Graham Brazier and Don McGlashan will transform Tuwhare's words into lyrics for songs that cover a wide range of styles, capturing the diversity in both his writing and New Zealand music.
This 80-minute journey into the heart of New Zealand arts and culture, sponsored by The Dominion Post with support from Creative New Zealand, Toi Māori Aotearoa and Smokefree Arts, will be performed at the Wellington Town Hall in three cabaret-style performances.
'Tuwhare' director, Charlottes Yates was commissioned by Toi Maori Aotearoa to produce a CD that celebrated the poetry of Hone Tuwhare. The CD, released during New Zealand Music Month in 2005, received rave reviews. Now, the same set of contemporary New Zealand musicians who played on the Tuwhare CD come together to present this uplifting musical tribute, live. The concert is a co-production of Toi Maori Aotearoa and the New Zealand International Arts Festival.
A culmination of New Zealand art, culture and heritage, 'Tuwhare' pays homage to one of our greatest living poets.
Praise for Tuwhare:
"...a fantastic document of not only New Zealand music but also New Zealand art and culture." nzmusic.com
Performance Dates:
Saturday 11 , Monday 13 March, 8.30pm, Town Hall, Wellington
For further information, high res images or to arrange interviews please contact:
Andrea Tandy. Publicity, New Zealand International Arts Festival
Ph: 04 473 0149 x 253, Mob: 027 276 2622
Email: andrea.tandy@festival.co.nz
New Zealand International Arts Festival
Charlotte Yates
Purchase the Tuwhare CD on smokecds.com
Listen to the Tuwhare CD on smokecds.com