Powerful satire addresses a difficult subject
written and performed by Jamie McCaskill, Tikapa Productions/The Ma¯ori Sidesteps Collective
Bats Theatre
Set in 1868 during the New Zealand Wars, the Ma¯ ori outfit of Company Kamupene (composed of five not so elite, special or unified men) was formed to bring balance between the Crown and Ma¯ ori.
Hand-picked by a mysterious and anonymous contractor, the team is led by Captain Ma¯ ori who is ‘‘half caste, but very Ma¯ ori ’’.
Under his leadership are Sergeant Anahera (the antithesis of diplomacy), ‘‘needle in the haystack’’ sniper Corporal Kikorangi, conflicted Doctor Ho¯ pe and the gentle, optimistic Maiti who isn’t sure how he got there.
These secret soldiers want to ‘‘change the face of New Zealand for New Zealand’s future face’’.
The outfit journey to their
sacred maunga, so Captain Ma¯ ori can present a taonga to the youngest team member, Maiti. Unfortunately they end up on the wrong mountain, there’s an earthquake and poor Maiti is lost. They learn (from Kanu, a message and scroggin-bearing bird) of Colonel Whitmore’s planned attack on Tı¯tokowaru at Moturoa. Captain Ma¯ ori tells his men ‘‘gather round, I can’t see you’’. It’s a solo show, and I found that hilarious.
A plan is formed and the remaining team split in half – Captain Ma¯ ori and Sergeant Anahera to the dysentery afflicted colonel to persuade him not to attack, Doctor Ho¯ pe and Corporal Kirokangi to the pa¯ to convince chief Tı¯tokowaru not to egg the Crown on.
The plan in action is farcical, the battle they were trying to prevent goes ahead, and they suffer a loss and make a gain. In the end, Company Kamupene endure to continue trying (and probably failing) to make a difference.
The stage is scattered with floor candelabra and potatoes with five ominous hanging sacks in the background.
The potatoes got me curious, and I’ve since read that their introduction to New Zealand released Ma¯ ori men to go to war. My secondary school education taught me more about the Wars of the Roses than the 27-year New Zealand Wars but it’s never too late to learn.
This show covers one battle of many, and these stories are important to understand our history and what New Zealand was built on. Satire is a wonderful way to talk about tough topics and a lot can be learned while laughing.
The beautiful dawn lighting created from snuffing candles, depiction of fallen soldiers and impressive one-man narration of the final battle are especially memorable.
McCaskill is a powerful storyteller and an excellent performer. With these and an inherent charm, he brings to life his characters and their surroundings, drawing you into the world he wants to share.