Show' visual feast' for audience

Contemporary dancers practising ahead of tonight's premiere of Mana Wahine. Photo / Stephen Parker

Prepare to be enchanted by a unique all-female dance production that has received international acclaim.

The Okareka Dance Company will hold the premiere of Mana Wahine at Rotorua's Civic Theatre tonight, with a second performance tomorrow afternoon.

The theatre company has performed around the world, including America, Australia and China.

Most recently it performed at the opening of the Holland Dance Festival, attended by former Queen, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Rotorua-born Taiaroa Royal, along with Taane Mete, are the artistic directors of the show and are joined by World of Wearable Art artistic director Malia Johnston.

Mr Royal said the audience could expect a visual feast made up of different elements.

"The production will take the audience on a fabulous journey with memorable dancers and unique audio and visual projections throughout the show."

Mana Wahine tells the story of Te Aokapurangi, a young maiden from Rotorua who was captured during battle by a tribe from the Far North. Many years later she returned and single-handedly saved her people from slaughter, by outwitting members of the tribe.

Mr Royal said he connected with the story of Te Aokapurangi and thought it would be a good subject matter for the production.

"It really struck a chord with me when I first heard the tale and after doing some more research into it, I knew it would translate well into a dance production."

The contemporary-based dance company is set apart from others by its hint of traditional Maori movement.

The premiere will be followed by the Matariki Under the Stars national tour.

Tickets for Mana Wahine performances cost between $25 and $40 and are available from Ticketmaster by calling (07) 928 4500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Details

What: Mana Wahine premier
Where: Rotorua Civic Theatre
When: Tonight 7pm, tomorrow 2pm
Cost: $25 to $40