Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers

Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers tells the story of our unofficial Māori national theatre and the 30 year struggle to create a truly bicultural force in live theatre and society, and the  wāhine toa and activists who agitated for a better world. From humble beginnings, Taki Rua presents a depth of talent powerful enough to take the voice of Māori across the nation and to  the world.

Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers is out in cinemas across Aotearoa from Thursday 17 October 2024.

Synopsis

What began as a bold experiment in bicultural partnership between Māori and Pākehā grew into  Taki Rua Theatre, the unofficial national Māori theatre company of Aotearoa New Zealand.  Against the odds, Taki Rua has survived financial struggles, creative disputes, earthquakes,  intolerance, and internal conflicts.  

As the latest ensemble of young artists tour the motu (country) performing the latest Māori  language theatre production, we witness the deeply personal and politically visionary story of a  30-year struggle to create a truly bicultural force, and the wāhine toa and activists who agitated  for a better world. 

Observation, interviews and rare archival footage are combined with fresh adaptations of  scenes from groundbreaking Taki Rua dramas including Te Hokina, Purapurawhetū,  Whatungarongaro, and Ngā Tangata Toa. These plays originally shocked audiences with raw  and incisive social commentary, and remain just as relevant today. Roimata Fox, Eds Eramiha,  Amanda Noblett, Jason Te Kare, Cian Elyse White, and Scotty Cotter lead a stellar cast. 

Fast forward to the present day and Taki Rua’s Te Kuia Me Te Pūngāwerewere brings Patricia  Grace’s beloved tale to life in a groundbreaking immersive play. Starring Amanda Noblett and  Jason Te Kare, this te reo Māori production captivates children of all ages and language levels,  igniting pure joy and cultural connection. Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers is an inspiring documentary that chronicles how a  daring ensemble of artists and activists shattered cultural norms, broke barriers and pioneered  a bicultural partnership. Their bold vision revitalises Māori language for new generations and  has launched our creatives onto the world stage.