Review: Mokomoko nā Sherilee Kahui, performed by Mycah Keall and Sherilee Kahui. Performed in New Plymouth on Saturday, October 7 as part of TAFT’s Reimagine Festival. Reviewed by Ilona Hanne.
A play that covers genocide, intergenerational trauma and the ongoing repercussions of colonisation is always going to challenge the audience.
Add in the fact the main character is a lizard, remove the fourth wall constantly throughout and then completely ignore all sense of “normal” for theatre form, rules or concepts, and you have a play that is not only challenging and thought-provoking, but also one which will take you on a journey that, while uncomfortable for many, will leave you better off for having been on it.
Mokomoko nā Sherilee Kahui, performed by Mycah Keall and Sherilee Kahui, is the type of play you will talk about for years to come, and the team behind Taranaki Arts Festival’s (TAFT) Reimagine Festival are to be commended for bringing it to Taranaki.
Sherilee Kahui is an incredibly intelligent and thoughtful director who is able to build a relationship with the audience, drawing them in and establishing trust in a way that enables her to then shine a spotlight on genocide.