Poetry brought to life

Pereri King (back, left), Puriri Koria (front, sitting) and Teina Moetara will perform the poetry. Photo / Supplied

The works of one of New Zealand's most acclaimed poets will be brought to life next week to mark the 50th anniversary of Hone Tuwhare's most celebrated work, No Ordinary Sun.

The Hastings City Art Gallery will be marking the anniversary with a performance of Allow Me To Mend The Broken Ends Of Shared Days on December 15 and December 16.

The performance is taken from the fourth verse of Mr Tuwhare's poem, Friend. It will be told through the eyes, voice and movement of Pereri King, Puriri Koria and Teina Moetara.

The group have performed the same verse at Toimairangi Contemporary Maori Arts School at Te Wananga O Aotearoa in Hastings and Tupapra Gallery in Gisborne.

Director Puti Lancaster decided to explore the works of Tuwhare after talking to the poet's son, Rob Tuwhare.

"Rob was really supportive of us exploring the works of his father."

Mrs Lancaster hoped to connect the audience with the themes of Tuwhare's poems and identify with how they fit within our own lives 50 years down the track.

The Hastings City Art Gallery has worked in collaboration with the group, to make Tuwhare's poems can be as accessible is possible.

"After looking into his work it was clear Tuwhare wanted his poems to be accessible and open to all, reaching a diverse audience."

Mrs Lancaster is excited about the prospect of the group performing to an intimate audience of 20 to 25 people.

-To book, phone 871 5095. There will be an opportunity to give a koha at the end of the performance.