M¯aori dancer en pointe in ballet across the ditch
The Kiwi dancing the part of Spartacus in a ballet at the Sydney Opera House says he uses Ma¯ ori culture to bring out the masculine side of the famous role.
Jake Mangakahia has been impressing audiences as the gladiator slave who sparks a rebellion in the Australian Ballet’s latest big-budget production.
‘‘The characteristics of Spartacus are masculine. He’s a tough person, mentally, emotionally and physically,’’ Mangakahia said.
‘‘It’s like when you perform the haka there’s certain movements that have meaning, and you say it with your eyes and project it to the audience.
‘‘In this role, that’s what I’m doing.’’
The legend of Spartacus was made into a film in 1960 starring Kirk Douglas, and a cult TV series filmed in New Zealand.
Mangakahia, whose father is Ma¯ ori and mother African, said he had been dancing ‘‘since I was in the pram’’.
His art-focused parents noticed their son’s love for movement and enrolled him in ballet classes at 5.
‘‘From my very first dance lesson, I took to it and never looked back.’’
At 15, he was accepted into the Australian Ballet Company and at 26, he secured the lead in Spartacus.
He was only 10 when he first saw a ballet performance of Spartacus on VHS and hoped that one day he would be cast in the role.
‘‘It’s crazy to think that I was watching a video in the lounge as a child and then I’m doing it. You have to pinch yourself when that happens.’’
Although Mangakahia grew up in Australia, many of his wha¯ nau live in New Zealand. His great-grandmother was Meri Te
Tai Mangakahia, one of the key members of the women’s suffrage movement who fought for women’s right to vote.
‘‘It’s great to know that someone in my family contributed to society in a huge way and to recognise that it’s in my blood.’’
Mangakahia said his longterm goal was to live in New Zealand and join the Royal New Zealand Ballet. He loves ballet, despite its challenges.
‘‘Ballet for a guy is not easy. I’m a member of The Church of Latter Day Saints, and that hasn’t been easy for me as well, because you sacrifice a lot of time away from family and friends.’’
‘‘It’s crazy to think that I was watching a video in the lounge as a child and then I’m doing it.’’ Jake Mangakahia
The Australian Ballet production of Spartacus is at the Sydney Opera House until November 24.