Tiki Taane Mahuta moving

THEATRE REVIEW Tiki Taane Mahuta

Tiki Taane Mahuta opened its nationwide 13-date tour at the Regent on Broadway on Friday bringing together a stunning fusion of electrifying choreography. Artistic director Tanemahuta Gray's efforts were obvious and the emotive sounds of Tiki Taane with support from Shapeshifter's Sam Trevethick accompanied the set well.

The story follows two families who are thrown into turmoil after a horrific accident takes a young man's life. The grief and loss that ensues is slowly replaced by hope as a new generation restores the families' connection to their genealogy.

A feast for the senses from start to finish, Tiki Taane Mahuta with it's strong emotive, was skilfully executed by a talented cast who kept the audience engaged for most of the performance.

The character of Karen, played by Brydie Colquhoun, and her depiction of the demons of depression during a scene in which she uses just one torch, was easily one of the most simple yet effective pieces I've experienced and a standout performance.

The stunning mix of theatre, aerial performance, contemporary dance, kapa haka, mau rakau and hip hop was combined seamlessly with beautiful videography and ingenious lighting effects.

Taane and Sam fuse all the elements together as their signature electronica, dubstep and drum and bass sound formed all the right notes to accompany the emotional and often whimsical stage performance.

Songs taken from Tiki Taane's Past, Present, Future and Into the World of Light albums have been lovingly recomposed into sensational theatre arrangements that truly complimented the intriguing choreography.

Shared from a Maori world perspective, Tiki Taane Mahuta ultimately highlights the importance of whakapapa connection for Maori and the effect it has on wellbeing, strength and resistance.

If you get the chance to experience Tiki Taane Mahuta you will be all the richer for it.

With it's powerful messages and beautifully moving combination of elements, you will not be disappointed.

For more information and tickets visit takirua.co.nz/tiki-taane.