PERFORMANCES OFFERED – THEATRE IN EDUCATION

Kahurangi brings the heritage of the Maori people and other tribes of Polynesia to life with vivid presentations of music and dance. Wearing handcrafted costumes featuring the traditional Maori colours of red (from berries), yellow (from clay) and black (from mud), the dancers present selections from the company repertoire. 
They also reflect the choreographic and musical heritage of other Polynesian Island nations such as Tahiti, Hawaii, and Samoa.

Thoughtful narration provides fascinating cultural, geographic, historical and social background. 
For example, in some of the dances the Maori express their beliefs by shaking the hands to symbolize the trembling of life within the heart, while the stomping of the feet conveys the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Some dances express the warlike aggression that reflects their warrior heritage. They do not smile during chants and war dances, but extend their tongues to represent defiance and to ridicule an enemy. This tongue gesture is also made in welcoming ceremonies because they believe that if a visitor is truly friendly he will not react with anger. 

The program is laced with captivating information about the cultures.