Tainui Tukiwaho (Tuhoe/Te Arawa) from Smackbang Theatre talks about Ka Hao te Rangatahi, an educational and interactive show which takes a unique approach to teaching the Maori language by encouraging children to guide the action on stage with their words.
Tainui Tukiwaho (Tuhoe/Te Arawa) from Smackbang Theatre talks about Ka Hao te Rangatahi, an educational and interactive show which takes a unique approach to teaching the Maori language by encouraging children to guide the action on stage with their words.
The lead character, Rima, only speaks te reo and is assisted by an English speaking narrator who translates everything for the audience.
Written by Matthew Donaldson, the show about a young village boy (Rima) who dreams of travel and adventure but is duty bound to catch fish for his village. When Rima's magic fishing rod is stolen by a jealous neighbour he decides he must trek thorough forests and over oceans to recover his stolen property and save his village from going hungry.
Ka Hao te Rangatahi, The New Net Goes Fishing, is part of the FUEL NZ Theatre Festival in Hamilton, at The Meteor Theatre until July 5.
During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
It's location rather than time that inspires me. Anytime by the water works.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
To euphemise: hori farmer who can't find his shoes
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Rehearsals! Not such a huge fan of doing the shows.
How does your environment affect your work?
Entirely, if it's too tidy or quiet I get nowhere. I need the TV/radio or conversation, for me to get anywhere with work.
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I'm a broad strokes kind of guy. Start off with huge and unreasonable plans and then refine things down to something small and unreasonable.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
If you wanna look at this like a business. Best advice, don't treat your employees like, workers. Treat them like family, with care and respect.
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Ruia Te Kakano is an initiative that the show "Ka Hao Te Rangatahi" is part of.
The work that I have been doing with the Maori language in theatre has been hugely satisfying.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
Most recently my biggest inspiration has been my niece TeTaiawatea. She is debuting in the show playing Hara. At 16 she has displayed a level of professionalism you rarely see from more experienced actors.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I grew up in Rotorua and moved to Auckland to study acting at 17. I don't know what else to say?
Tell us about Ka Hao te Rangatahi
Ka Hao Te Rangatahi came about after talking to friends who had toured a language show around Spain. To encourage the children to speak English. I decided I could do the same here and achieve the same results with the Maori language.
Tell us about Rima
I don’t play Rima, I'm the narrator. Nowhere near as compelling as the lead role. Rima is a fun loving boy who with the help of the friends he makes on his journey to recover his stolen fishing gear manages to save the day.
What’s the reaction/results so far?
The reaction has been wonderful, from both children and adults. We are very happy!
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Helicopter pilot? I don't know? I don't feel trapped in to my current career and think I may well change careers in the future.
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
It's people rather than places for me in this instance. I take family with me where ever I go.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Loud and in the car with everyone singing along!
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A mess probably. I’m Not very crafty.
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Find perspective. Not always the easiest thing to do. But once you find it. It all seems to just fall away.
What’s great about the FUEL Festival in Hamilton?
100% Kiwi, it's the only festival we have that is all about our home grown art and should be supported.
What’s your big idea for 2013?
Not telling, don't want anyone to steal it.