Wai, played by Kayah Thompson, Hone, played by Leihana Shelford-Tito, Boyboy, played by Hana Gilbert, and Rongo, played by Phoenix Karaitiana. Photo/Supplied
Wai, played by Kayah Thompson, Hone, played by Leihana Shelford-Tito, Boyboy, played by Hana Gilbert, and Rongo, played by Phoenix Karaitiana. Photo/Supplied
Waiora Written by Hone Kouka Whangarei Girls' High School Director William Walker December 6-10.
Waiora is an incredibly moving story set in the 1960s about a Maori family who move away from their homeland to the new Pakeha growing world.
It explores the emotional and spiritual consequences of leaving home — feeling lost, the struggle to adapt to a new environment, the want to fit in.
The Whangarei Girls' High School drama production was first performed in May but due to high demand they brought it back. It is the first time one of the school's Year 13 graduation productions has returned for a second season.
Wednesday and Thursday's shows sold out and last season people were turned away at the door. So if you want tickets, if there are any left, book now.
The story: Hone (also known by his Pakeha name John) has moved his whanau — wife Wai (or Sue) and their three children Amiria, Rongo, and Boyboy — away from their homeland Waiora to the South Island for work and the hope of a better life for his family.
The story follows the family as they prepare for and celebrate youngest daughter Rongo's birthday, which will be attended by Hone's boss, a Pakeha man named Steve.
They are eager to make a good impression, hopeful Steve will announce he is giving Hone a promotion. Not everything goes to plan.
Hone (Leihana Shelford-Tito) and Steve (Meg Robinson). Photo/Supplied
But away from this, the story provides an insight into individual characters and the struggles they face.
It focuses particularly on Rongo who is struggling immensely with the relocation, as she worries she will lose her identity. She is most aware of the tipuna (ancestors) that surround the family.
The cast comprises Whangarei Girls' High School students and kapa haka performers from Whangarei Boys' High School.
The actors were so believable in their characters, I often forgot high school students were playing adults and the main male characters - Hone, Boyboy and Steve - were played by females.
Waiora is filled with haka and beautiful waiata. The strong performances were complemented by the stunning set, costumes, and lighting.
Waiora does not sugar coat heavy issues, so throughout much of the performance there was silence.
But there were also moments of lightness and humour in which the audience erupted in laughter.
Occasionally the audience would cringe and whisper ''oh no'' — like when the Pakeha characters mispronounced Maori names and when Steve essentially gives Hone the ''you're not like other Maori'' speech.
While the production is set in the 1960s, these are still things which happen now. The cast promises to make you cry.
I sat in my seat watching emotional moments pass by, thinking I was doing pretty well not to shed tears — but then the ending came and I was reduced to a blubbering mess.
