Cindy Diver (Kāi Tahu), playwright, Co-Director and actor from the Dunedin Arts Festival production of Wahine Mātātoa, stopped by our Year 11 drama class to check-in and kōrero, after the class saw her show in Term 1.
Rooted deeply in Te Wai Pounamu, Wahine Mātātoa is a uniquely Kāi Tahu narrative that invites audiences to reflect on whakapapa and identity. It asks us to consider the stories that have been passed down, the gaps in our histories, and the ways in which we piece together our heritage. With a fully Kāi Tahu cast and the evocative sounds of taonga puoro composed by Dr. Ruby Solly, the production was both captivating and deeply moving.
Cindy brought in several taonga puoro to show students, which were used in the performance. Taonga puoro are traditional Māori musical instruments, literally meaning "singing treasures". They are highly valued, both for the beauty of their sound and their cultural significance.
In the photo above, you can see Cindy showing the students a purerehua, before she demonstrated using it in our drama class. A purerehua is a Māori musical instrument, also known as a bullroarer, that produces a whirring sound when swung in the air. It's traditionally made from bone, wood, or stone and has an oval shape with a long cord. The speed of the swing affects the pitch of the sound, with faster swings creating a higher-pitched sound and slower swings a lower one. It is an instrument which is used to express a person and who they are and where they come from. It is essentially a storyteller.
Ākonga also got the chance to unpack the show with Cindy a bit more and have a kōrero around the Māori concept of wairua (and ihi, wehi, and wana). In essence, Wahine Mātātoa is a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the enduring strength of Māori women, presented through a blend of humor, music, and poignant storytelling. Wairua refers to the spiritual essence of a person, character, or performance. It’s the invisible life force, the emotional/spiritual energy that connects everything.
Wahine Mātātoa is imbued with wairua, weaving the spiritual threads of whakapapa (genealogy) and ancestral connection throughout its narrative. The protagonist, Elizabeth, embarks on a journey through time, engaging with the stories of her ancestor, Erihāpeti Pātahi. This exploration of lineage and identity reflects a deep spiritual engagement, resonating with the audience on an emotional and metaphysical level.
Our rangatahi were very grateful to connect with Cindy again and thank her for her time and creative energy.
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