Written by Helen Pearse-Otene. Directed by Jim Moriarty.
Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua. Man disappears but the land remains.

4 plays. 177 years of history. 28 performances. 35 performers. 100% The Treaty in action

“To have read or heard about our local history is one thing, but to see it portrayed in the way Te Rākau Theatre does is special and unique and not to be missed.” - (The Dominion Post)

“…a richly textured, insightful, humorous, sobering and energising gift to Wellington and Aotearoa” - (Theatreview)

This January, experience a world-first theatrical event: Te Rākau Theatre’s stunning quartet of plays in repertory, The Undertow.

Through the eyes of 7 generations of Wellingtonians, The Undertow explores major historical moments in our country’s history: from the early settlement of Port Nicholson to our involvement in WW1 and the Vietnam War to current day urban development. The ordinary people who achieved the extraordinary to call this place home are brought to life before our eyes as their stories are brought into the light.

You can enjoy The Undertow over two evenings, or all four in one day for the theatrical event of the year and an experience you will never forget.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University sponsored season of The Undertow with support from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangātira, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Te Puni Kōkiri.