Ka mua, ka muri: Looking back in order to move forward.
The upcoming Year 12 and 13 Major Production, The Battalion by Helen Pearse-Otene, is a powerful and moving drama that explores the intertwined nature of the past, present, and future. I believe the play links beautifully with the whakataukī or proverb, Ka mua, ka muri, which speaks to the Māori perspective of time where looking back is essential for moving forward.
This principle is at the heart of the play's narrative. The story centers on a war veteran, Paora Matene, who shares his experiences with the 28 Māori Battalion with two disaffected youths, Rimini and George. Sent back to their family in the town of Tamariri, the young people are initially uninterested in the local history and the stories of their elders. As Paora recounts the tale of five young men who ran away to join the war in 1939, the play draws a striking parallel between their youthful bravado and the challenges facing the new generation.
The Battalion is a one-act play that delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, madness, and redemption. It highlights how understanding the sacrifices and experiences of those who came before can provide guidance and meaning for the future. The play, with its focus on Māori history and culture, offers a compelling theatrical experience. The play will be performed in our Chapel in a creative traverse layout, with added features including beautiful original music composed by Year 12 student, Timothy Stevens.
Come and witness a story that reminds us of the power of our past to shape our future.
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