Artist Tiki Taane to Return to Christchurch

Artist Tiki Taane to Return to Christchurch

An explosion of aerial theatre, contemporary dance, haka and hip-hop, exciting new work ‘Tiki Taane Mahuta’ combines the assets of our nation’s most exciting artists; Tiki Taane’s music with Tanemahuta Gray’s choreography. Major support from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has helped secure Christchurch as the host city for the world premiere, and the newly refurbished Isaac Theatre Royal as the venue.

Once frontman of popular Christchurch band Salmonella Dub, Tiki Taane released his award-winning debut solo album ‘Past Present Future’ in 2007, followed up with ‘In The World Of Light’. Both albums became the inspiration and soundtrack for ‘Tiki Taane Mahuta’, despite Tiki’s initial reservations about the project.

“I am totally new to dance theatre,” confesses Tiki. “But after learning more about Tanemahuta and his work, his vision, his dedication to his craft, I knew this was the right man for the job.”

Tanemahuta is renowned as a dancer and choreographer nationally and internationally, and his last major work, ‘Māui - One Man Against the Gods’, was seen by over 13,500 people in Christchurch.

“”Tiki Taane Mahuta” is my way to give back to Ōtautahi, and play my small part in rebuilding the spirit of the city,” says Gray. “Through this show, I can build an emotionally powerful experience that will bring the community into the city centre and into the theatre to be entertained, moved and to participate in the life of the city once more.”

The process of creating this work has been somewhat unusual, in that Gray would typically build a story first before finding or having the music composed. With “Tiki Taane Mahuta”, the entire production has been built around Tiki’s music.

“I feel very honoured to have had my music inspire Tanemahuta in this project and I’m so excited to come home with my whānau to watch the show in May,” says Tiki. “My Dad Uekaha is also involved in the filmed part of the show, and him and my sister came back from rehearsals a couple of weeks ago incredibly moved. I hope everyone possible in and around Christchurch can come along to experience this amazing impact for themselves.”

ENDS

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