Premiering at Tribute08, and realised by Te Rakau Hua o Te Wao Tapu Trust, Ka Mate, Ka Ora "our nations battle cry" acknowledges the legacy inherited by many Vietnam veterans and their families.

Co-directing and acting in the production is Jim Moriarty from Close to Home and Michael James Manaia. Jim sinks his teeth into one of the most dividing periods of NZ's history, and explores where we have surfaced almost 40 years on. Premiering at Tribute08, and realised by Te Rakau Hua o Te Wao Tapu Trust, Ka Mate, Ka Ora "our nations battle cry" acknowledges the legacy inherited by many Vietnam veterans and their families.

Co-directing and acting in the production is Jim Moriarty from Close to Home and Michael James Manaia. Jim sinks his teeth into one of the most dividing periods of NZ's history, and explores where we have surfaced almost 40 years on.Kimi wants to heal
Sweet doesn't give a damn
Cherry can't take it back
Hohepa remains haunted

40 years later, these former soldiers, mates in war and peace, still carry the wounds of two wars: one fought in the paddy fields of Vietnam, the other in the consciousness of a nation that wanted to forget.

Estranged from their own families who struggle with the fallout that came home with them, and horrified by what has befallen their mate Hohepa; Kimi, Sweet and Cherry decide to embark on one last mission to try and put things right -with surprising results.

This season is part of a nationally significant event over Queens Birthday Weekend, called Tribute08 - a Vietnam Commemoration, honouring Veterans' and their families.

The New Zealand Government are finally officially recognising our Vets and their families over 44 years since they first went to serve for our country with ceremonies held in Parliament, the National War Memorial, the Basin reserve and a Vietnam era concert called "Good Night Vietnam" in the TSB Arena (Sunday 1st June).

"Ka Mate, Ka Ora" is world premiering at Capital E in Wellington from Wednesday, May 21st - Sunday June 1st.

By Helen Pearse-Otene and directed by Jim Moriarty and Alan Scott

Shows Tue - Sat - 7:30pm - (No show Thurs 29th May)

Sat 31st May & Sun 1st June - Shows 2pm & 5pm

$21.50 waged; $16.50 unwaged; $11.50 under 18

Bookings through Capital E: (04) 913 3720

Special School Matinees $6.50: (04) 913 3742

Tribute08 press release.

20/05/08