Cultural Performance
Contact Us
Tel: 07 348 9047 ext 855
Fax: 07 348 9045
0800 TE PUIA
education@tepuia.com
Related Topics
- Houses As Stories
- Learn how carvings and weavings record the history and traditions in our sacred meeting houses.
Objectives
The popularity of the daily cultural performances at Te Puia has seen a marked increase in requests for this to be added to other workshops.
“It gives people the chance to see the language alive, to see the celebration of the culture,” says teacher, Poihaere Knight.
“The performers don’t just get up and sing a few songs. Their delivery, the power makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.”
Participants experience the Powhiri, ceremonial welcome, on Rotowhio Marae, the focal meeting place in the fortified village.
They are then welcomed into the sacred carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua and thoroughly entertained in the traditional and contemporary performing arts, from action songs to stick games, from the ferocious haka war dance to the pure sweetness of a love song.
“The performers are there because they want to be. They love it and you hear it in their voices. When one of the sopranos sing a lot of people are moved to tears.”
Learning activities
As an optional extra, the cultural performance adds a special dimension to other programmes like the Music workshop.
“The performances give an insight into how modern influences, like the guitar, have been adapted into our music over the years,” says Poihaere.
“But other workshops add it simply for the sheer enjoyment. The performers treat every one like they are important and people feel that. It makes us very proud.”
As another extra, a half-hour Powhiri activity is available for more in depth learning of the moving welcome and its’ cultural significance.
Seating is limited and bookings are essential.