AHI After Mahuika is a multi-sensory performance inspired by the Māori goddess of fire.
From the moment youstep into the Pavilion at the Hamilton Gardens, you’re greeted by the sound of crackling fire, live guitar music and a powerful, earthy scent.
I couldn’t quite place it, perhaps sandalwood, musk, or hints of vanilla, but it was my first clue that I was in for a full sensory experience.
The performance opens with a waiata and tells the story of a young girl on a journey to fix what she has broken.
The narrative unfolds in a vibrant world where myth and reality blend, guided by Mahuika’s wisdom and fiery spirit.
What made this production truly immersive was that everything happening on stage also happened within the audience.
Performers wove through the crowd with rainmakers (and actual rain, yes, I got wet!).
Eucalyptus drifted through the theatre, and we were invited to run our fingers through warm sand and then touch cold stones.
AHI After Mahuika opens with a waiata and tells the story of a young girl on a journey to fix what she has broken. Photo / Abby Dalgety
During a thunder sequence, we were handed popping candy so we could taste the crackle of a thunderclap.
Even a bird poo was represented through slime, creating one of the stickiest and most memorable moments of the show.
This sensory overload added a strong nostalgic layer.
I couldn’t remember the last time I played with bubbles or had my hands covered in slime, and it brought a childlike joy that deepened the storytelling experience.
My favourite moment came early in the show when the performers searched the crowd for Māui.
