HBAF 2019 Presents - Meremere

Meremere is a powerful, inspirational and engaging autobiographical work, that integrates documentary footage, interviews, movement and imagery into an extraordinary performance by exceptional artist and dancer, Rodney Bell (Ngāti Maniapoto), internationally renowned for his physically integrated performance.

In 2007 Rodney joined AXIS Dance Company (USA) as principal dancer, touring to 32 states until 2012. After finishing with AXIS and before his return to New Zealand, Rodney experienced a period of homelessness on the streets of San Francisco: a life changing experience that inspired the creation of Meremere.

With live music from the equally exceptional artist, Eden Mulholland, this multimedia work was developed in collaboration with director Malia Johnston and Movement of the Human (MOTH). Meremere is a multi-faceted survival story, a courageous response to an incredible series of life events; an inspirational performance. It is funny, humble and compelling. An impressionistic and surreal experience of an extraordinary artist’s life.

The work is insightful, surprising, very personal and incredibly engaging.