Shot actor is back on stage

Downs, Paratene and Mokaraka. Photo / Supplied

An actor shot by police during a stand-off outside his Auckland home has returned to the stage. Rob Mokaraka is starring in the play Purapurawhetu alongside Whale Rider actor Rawiri Paratene.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty in April to four charges including threatening to kill a police officer at his Pt Chevalier home and will be sentenced next month.

Mokaraka, who spent six days in hospital after being shot in the stomach, said his return to acting had been part of the recovery process.

He said: "I am a human being that is healing and has been healing for a while."

His character in the play was also plagued by personal demons - but Mokaraka said he did not see many similarities between himself and the role of Mata.

"Mata doesn't heal. He is a car wreck inside. No matter what has happened previously I would have chosen this role anyway because it is the most meatiest."

Director Catherine Downes said Mokaraka had rebounded well after the trauma of last year.

"He is just an amazing guy and for all of his past and what has happened to him in the last year he has just bounced right back.

"I knew he had been pretty traumatised in recent history and I didn't know if he'd want to take on this role of Mata because it makes him very vulnerable, dealing with such a dark place. But Rob did, and he's been beautiful to work with I have enjoyed the whole cast actually."

The play is about a Maori weaver who is having trouble finishing a panel for a marae due to a vicious crime committed 30 years in the past by Mokaraka's character.

The talented cast also includes Roimata Fox, the daughter of prominent Maori broadcaster Derek Fox.

Herald theatre reviewer Paul Simei-Barton wrote: "Robert Mokaraka plays the villain with a wickedly seductive performance that confirms the old adage about the devil getting the best lines."

Purapurawhetu has finished its run at the Hawkins Theatre in Papakura and will play at the Auckland Town Hall from June 30.