16 Aug 2018

This content is tagged as Multi-Artform .

NEWS

Black Grace tackles Pacific masculintiy head on

Exploring masculinity through a Pacific lens, Crying Men is a vital new work choreographed by New Zealand icon and Arts Laureate Neil Ieremia.

This richly textured conversation premieres in Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world, for a strictly limited season from September 6.

Through dance, Crying Men traces the journey of three generations of Pacific men who are living in a new land and are dealing with the impact of the loss of a matriarch who brought balance to the traditional expectations of masculinity with compassion, tolerance and strength.

Utilising gesture, elements of traditional Pacific storytelling, song and dance, the production sees Ieremia collaborate with acclaimed Pacific playwright Victor Rodger for the first time. Rodger has created an original narrative framework which underpins the production. Black Grace has commissioned new music from hip-hop legends Anonymouz aka Faiumu Matthew Salapu and Submariner aka Andy Morton; their work will drive percussively powerful movement from an impressive cast of dancers and singers.

Ieremia was raised in a working-class neighbourhood in Porirua. Acknowledging his own narrative, he will tour there with Black Grace to connect with the community in September. Black Grace & Friends is a collaboration with dance students from tertiary institute Whitireia, local high school students, and youth strings orchestra Virtuoso Strings. Taking over Te Rauparaha Arena on 20th – 21st September, Black Grace & Friends will feature a significant excerpt from Crying Men.

Crying Men 

September 6-8
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland

Ticket Prices
Single/ Groups 6+
Premium $69*/$59*
A Reserve $63*/$53*
B Reserve $55*/$45*
*booking fees apply

Tickets are available through ASB Waterfront Theatre or Ticketmaster 
 

Black Grace & Friends

20 - 21 September
Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua
Tickets are available through Ticket Direct