21 Feb 2012
On Sunday, March 4th three vocally energised poets will take to the stage to entertain, promote, educate and inspire creativity in people and encourage them to look closer at poetry, music, and all its different forms.
With differing energy and style, the poets will bring to the performance knowledge and experience, as well as a fresh faced view of the world that will create a unique performance that draws from each of the poet’s individual talent and personality.
The three poets vary in age and experience, as well as style. Apirana Taylor (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui , Ngāti Porou, Taranaki) leads the group in experience. A published writer and poet, he is a Maori writer of impressive versatility with an international reputation. With published works such as “Eyes of the Ruru” and “He Tangi Aroha”, Api’s reputation and clear talent as a poet and story teller attract many from all of the world to his words. Apirana’s collaboration with the Words in Motion poets showcases his well-known repertoire of work but also shows a new side as he continues to develop his own poetry with a stronger musical element.
Known for his music, Karl Teariki (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Raina ki Rarotonga, Ngatiarua ki Mauke, Pape no’o I Tahiti) is also talented in the art of storytelling and performance. With his collaborative EP,”Pao”, with Maaka Phat set to be released this year, he continues to perfect his craft. Known for his wide array of talents, Karl has been nick-named the “Polynesian Polymath” because he is an artist whose performance traverses a wide array of disciplines, translating into both spoken word and music so easily.
Luther Hunt (Ngāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa) rounds up the group. His youth and vitality help to inspire a younger audience towards poetry and music. A talented musician, Luther has already recorded in three albums: Jumba, “Digging for Roots”, 2010; Raumati Straights, 2011; Waiata and the Word, “This ‘I’”, 2011. In addition to recording, Luther continued to hone is craft when he attended the New Zealand School of Music, majoring in Performance Jazz in 2011.
The show incorporates each performer’s material – from spoken word, music and performance – adapting it to create a truly unique experience for audiences to immerse themselves in.
The performance will take on a new element with the help of Riwia Brown (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui) as their Artistic Director. Riwia is a Māori playwright and scriptwriter who won the Best Screenplay award for her adaptation of Alan Duff's novel Once Were Warriors. She has written and directed strong Māori roles for the stage and screen.
In addition to the artistic direction, the poets will be dressed by Suzanne Tamaki. Suzanne Tamaki (Maniapoto, Tuhoe, Te Arawa) is a fibre artist with the label Native Sista. She creates body adornment, costumes and jewellery inspired by legends and mythical creatures in the Pacific, as well as traditional indigenous costuming throughout the world. Her work has been exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.
The first performance of Words in Motion was in Wellington in 2010. Words in Motion poets have since performed as a part of the Auckland Arts Festival, Taranaki International Festival of the Arts, as well as in many different art galleries and museums in the Wellington region. They will also be performing as a part of the WOMAD Festival, 17-18th March 2012.
Words in Motion is produced by Toi Maori Aotearoa - Maori Arts New Zealand. They will perform as a part of the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts.
Date: Sunday, 4th March 2012
Time: 4pm
Where: TelstraClear Festival Club, Odlin’s Plaza
Tickets: $28 – Tickets can be purchased from www.festival.co.nz or at the door on the day.
(Odlin's Plaza is situated between the Lagoon and the St John's Building along Wellington's west facing Waterfront)
Share this
