Ngā Roriori

Presented by: Whao Festival

by Hone Kouka
produced by Tawata Productions

This is the new work from the writer of landmark theatre productions, Ngā Tangata Toa, Waiora, The Prophet – Hone Kouka presents his first work since Bless The Child.

Celebrated artist and Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate 2022, Hone (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Raukawa) brings to the stage his new work, weaving his loves. Dance. Theatre. Farce. Told by three dancers and two actors who perform recorded dialogue in its entirety – this is Ngā Rorirori.

Ngā Rorirori (The Idiots in te reo Pākehā – alternatively fools or dimwits if you will) is a comical foray into one whānau’s relationship with their whenua – and a big brother’s quest to turn their coastline into a cash cow. The idiots in question are Manuela and Pillow Rorirori – a sister and brother who also happen to be the only two members of their hapū. The pōtiki, she’s an activist. The big brother, he’s a convicted fraudster.

The tale begins as Manuela faces Pillow’s return home to their rohe after the crash and burn of his failed business ventures. Manuela desperately tries to hold her whānau together as their ancestral claims are put under the microscope by the Tikanga Police.

Ngā Rorirori delves into the duo’s battle with the crown (and each other) to attempt to assert their ancestral rights.

The multi-talented performers on stage include Mycah Keall (Mokomoko, Te Kuia me te Pungawerewere), Sefa Tunupopo (Shifting Centre, Tōrua), Stela Dara (Show Do Cafe) and Nomuna Amarbat (CHICKBAIT, Asian 8) reprising their roles from the 2022 premiere season, and Manuel Solomon (Shortland Street, The Beautiful Ones), who will join the production for the first time.

Featuring design by Mark McEntyre, Natasha James, MĀ & WYNONA and Sopheak Seng, Ngā Rorirori will be presented throughout Aotearoa in September 2024.