New show mixes kapa haka and circus skills for Matariki

A new show combining kapa haka and aerial circus skills aims to honour and explore Matariki to mark the first time the annual celebration has been observed with a public holiday.

The new show, which opens on Friday at the Roy Stokes Hall in New Brighton and has already sold out, is a collaboration between The Christchurch Circus Trust and Nga¯ Toi o te Rangi cultural group.

Christchurch Circus Trust creative director Lisa Wingfield said the show, which is called Te Tau Hou, features 60 performers.

‘‘It has taken five months to get this incredibly massive production together.

‘‘I really wanted to create something that could be a part of Matariki celebrations.

‘‘We feel really honoured to work with the Nga¯ Toi o te Rangi cultural group.

‘‘We all felt it was really important to have something that honours the significance of the time.’’

Wingfield said the show features kapa haka performers, musicians, actors and aerial circus performers.

It follows a young boy called Tama as he embarks on a journey of discovery about Matariki, meeting each star in the cluster and learning about their unique identity and significance.

One of the show’s creative directors, Michelle Mahanga of Nga¯ Toi o te Rangi, said the kapa haka pieces had been created for the show.

‘‘When you are collaborating with other genres you have to create something quite fresh and new. It is very rewarding work.’’

She said her family celebrated Matariki each year.

‘‘Matariki, for my family, has always been about being in that space and time where we get to say goodbye to the people we have lost and welcome in the new opportunities that Matariki brings.’’