But those learning the language will find plenty to latch onto and the provision of a scene-by scene synopsis, along with the clarity of the staging, means it is not difficult to follow the story.
From my perspective the show presents a sharp reminder of the impoverishment of being monolingual - but rather like watching opera without the sur-titles, inability to follow the language allows for enhanced appreciation of the emotional, visual and musical aspects of the drama.
And in these areas the show delivers handsomely - James Webster and Richard Nunns' musical score highlights the emotion of the piece with great subltley. Shona Tawhiao's superb costume design makes wonderfully use of full body tattoos while taiaha and haka are used effectively throughout the production.
There is insufficient space to cover the achievements of the large cast but Rawiri Paratene anchors the show with a magnificent comic performance while Kimo Houltham and Awhina-Rose Henare-Ashby are an attractive young lovers and Matu Ngaropo gives a striking portrayal of Archilles as a petulant anti-hero.
What: The Maori Troilus & Cressida - Toroihi raua ko Kahira
Where: Town Hall Concert Chamber to March 24