Year 11 Drama Students Inspired by theatre piece, Wahine Mātātoa, at the Dunedin Arts Festival.
A Wahine Sets the Past on Fire and Ignites the Future! This was the message at the heart of Wahine Mātātoa, a powerful and thought-provoking performance that the Year 11 Drama class recently had the privilege of attending at Allen Hall as part of the Dunedin Arts Festival.
Wahine Mātātoa: the (mostly) true story of Erihāpeti Pātahi a play by Cindy Diver, is a comedy of consequences and follows the journey of Elizabeth, a young wahine navigating the challenges of balancing her dreams with the weight of decisions that could change her future. As she travels through time, she encounters her ancestor, Erihāpeti Pātahi, a high-born, fiercely independent woman whose story is woven into the history of Ōtākou. Erihāpeti’s bold spirit and resilience serve as a guiding light for Elizabeth, demonstrating that even the most rebellious of tupuna can provide wisdom for those seeking their own path. This rollicking play of dual timelines blends humour and heartfelt moments to celebrate the connections between our past and present.
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 Ruby Solly, the production was both captivating and deeply moving.
For the Year 11 Drama students, this experience was more than just a theatrical outing—it was an opportunity to engage with the living history of Aotearoa and see firsthand how storytelling can bridge past and present. The play’s themes of identity, legacy, and the pursuit of dreams resonated strongly with the students, sparking meaningful discussions about the power of theatre as a medium for cultural expression and reflection.
“Seeing our own history brought to life on stage in such a powerful and entertaining way was truly inspiring. It made me think about my own whakapapa and the stories that shape who I am.”
With its blend of humour, history, and heartfelt storytelling, Wahine Mātātoa left a lasting impression on all who attended. The Year 11 Drama students returned to school the next day with a newfound appreciation for the role of theatre in preserving and celebrating indigenous narratives—an experience that will surely influence their own creative journeys in the future.
John McGlashan College whānau... If you are in Central Otago, make sure you check out the show at the Wānaka Festival of Colour, coming up soon!
https://www.dunedinartsfestival.co.nz/prog.../wahine-matatoa
https://www.festivalofcolour.co.nz/programme/wahine-matatoa
“This is the story telling that I remember sitting at the feet of my aunties. It is who we are. It is why I would love to see it shared across all of Aotearoa.” - Tā Ian Taylor
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