Capital E presents family favourite Hinepau these holidays

Capital E presents family favourite Hinepau these school holidays

Capital E National Theatre for Children brings a fresh take on Hinepau to Hannah Playhouse from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 July for young people aged 7+ and their families.

Hinepau, the enchanting tale about staying true to yourself, respecting our environment, history, cultural traditions and understanding how the choices we make affect other people, returns to Wellington these school holidays.

Based on the 1993 book by Gavin Bishop and originally devised in 2005 by a team of Māori practitioners: Rachel House, Peter Wilson, Jamie McCaskill, Erina Daniels, Stephen Tamarapa and Maria Walker, Hinepau is a family favourite for people aged 7 and older.

Hinepau is different from other members of the hapū (community). She looks different, weaves back to front, inside out, and she just won’t follow the in-crowd. As time moves on the influence of the tētē ara (upcoming chief) grows, along with his arrogance. When this leads to her banishment and the village’s ruin, only Hinepau’s choice can save the very people who rejected her.

Two of the original devisors, Jamie McCaskill as Director, and Erina Daniels as Creative Consultant, with performers Carrie Green, Erroll Anderson, Jean Volkerling, and Tom Knowles tell the story of Hinepau. They’ll have you giggling at the quirky jokes and humming great songs long after you leave the theatre.

The show fosters a love and respect for Aotearoa’s unique place in the world, and sends the message that the tamariki (young people) and mokopuna (descendants) are the kaitiaki (custodians/trustees) of the future.

Capital E’s Creative Producer Marianne Taylor says, “Humour, Māori mythology and waiata are expertly delivered by our performers to present a story of kaitiakitanga.”

To kick-off the 2016 Hinepau season, Capital E will be hosting a special kid’s only event on Monday 18 July, 6-8pm, where audiences will get to enjoy the show, meet the cast and chow down on a fish ‘n’ chips dinner. Hinepau will be performed from Tuesday 19 July to Saturday 23 July at 11am at Hannah Playhouse.

Following the school holiday shows, there will be three special performances for schools from Wednesday 27 July to Friday 29 July at 11am, where students will have the opportunity to engage with the cast.

Bookings are open for all Capital E shows. For further information on how to book, dates and times visit the Capital E website capitale.org.nz .

Show information

July School Holidays, Wellington

• Wellington – Hannah Playhouse, 19-23 July

Term 3 July-September, Nationally

Show time 11am (followed by 30 minute post-show engagement activity with the cast)

Total duration 1 hour 30 minutes

North Island

• Wellington – Hannah Playhouse, 27-29 July

• New Plymouth – TSB Showplace Theatre Royal, 2 August

• Hamilton – Clarence Street Theatre, 5 August

• Manukau – Vodafone Events Centre, 9 August

• Whangarei – Forum North, 15 August

• Tauranga – Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, 18 August

• Rotorua – Civic Theatre, 22 August

• Gisborne – War Memorial Theatre, 25 August

• Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway, 19 September

• North Shore – Bruce Mason Centre, 22 September

South Island

• Christchurch – Isaac Theatre Royal, 2 September

• Invercargill – Civic Theatre, 6 September

• Dunedin – Kings & Queens Performing Arts Centre, 9 September

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