From left, Jane Leonard, Te Arohanui Korewha and Brady Peeti in the no-holds-barred production Kōpū. Picture by Bob Scott Photography
If the tidbits you’ve seen promoting Kōpū have caught your attention, hold on tight because the show itself is set to deliver something that makes you laugh until you cry, contemplate how others see things, and will certainly leave you wanting more.
It’s another of the stellar performances that are
part of the Whiti festival season from Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival this month.
Kōpū packs a punch with gutsy music and theatre that pay tribute to everyone’s nannies, mothers and aunties, reverently and irreverently. It delves into the colourful spectrum of what it means to be wāhine Māori. It delighted audiences at its premier season in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau last year and comes to Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival as part of its Raumati 2024 Tour.
The show seems to resonate with audiences as it has something that everyone can relate to. It’s a cheeky glimpse of how young wāhine Māori are navigating the world, and stand by for a little audience participation. For those who fancy themselves as would-be stage singers, this could be a time to shine.
Kōpū is directed by Amber Curreen and performed by Tuakoi Ohia, Jane Leonard, Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, Brady Peeti, Te Arohanui Korewha and Ngākirikiri Kershaw who promise to take the audience on a no-holds barred celebration of their experiences of wāhinetanga (womanhood) with live music, performance, poetry and poi. Both Te Huamanuka and Ngākirikiri whakapapa to the region. All are excited to be bringing Kōpū to Tairāwhiti.
