05 May sparks will fly at manawa ora
After two years of Covid-related delays, Ngā Rangatahi Toa’s acclaimed theatre work, crafted from the experiences of some of our city’s most radiant rangatahi, is back.
Told through dance, music, circus, drama and rap, Manawa Ora: Te Hīhiri plays at Q Theatre, 20 – 22 July.
Manawa Ora is Ngā Rangatahi Toa’s flagship annual project, staged in Tāmaki Makaurau annually (except for Covid delays) since 2009 to sold-out audiences.
This year sees the cast exploring the concept of ‘Te Hīhiri’ which points to the idea of a ‘spark’ igniting empowerment and action. Devised from scratch in the week before the season, the show will be a raw and honest retelling of real-life experiences of an ensemble of brave and extra-special rangatahi.
The recipe for Manawa Ora: Te Hīhiri will be the same as it always has been, with the rangatahi being guided and mentored through the process by some of Aotearoa’s most outstanding performing artists. This year that will include artists such as Bella Kalolo, Laughton Kora, and Freshmans Dance Crew, with more to be announced.
With 2022 marking the first year that Manawa Ora will be staged at Q Theatre, the rangatahi are excited by the challenges this new space will bring. If you’ve been looking for a show to be deeply moved by, this is it.
Witness what happens when some of Aotearoa’s top performing artists collaborate with an ensemble of young storytellers ready to embark on their life-journey. Real, moving, and an absolute must-see.
“This is a work that demands those on both sides of the stage to take responsibility. If you haven’t already, go along and make sure you take someone with you. More people need to say YES, to supporting young people telling their stories; to taking the theatre of our lives from the streets to the stage; to holding hands and widening the circle. More people need to see work like this. More people need to say YES.” Dione Joseph, Theatreview
Manawa Ora: Te Hihiri plays:
Dates: 20 – 22 July 2022, 7pm
Venue: Q Theatre,305 Queen St, Auckland CBD
Tickets: $25 standard // $18 student // $15 unwaged // FREE for kuia and kaumātua
Bookings: qtheatre.co.nz // ph. 09 309 9771
