HBAF 2020 - Ecology in Fifths

Inspired by H Guthrie Smith’s (1921) Tūtira: The Story of an NZ Sheep Station, Ecology in Fifths unravels the NZ myth of a ‘clean green and natural landscape’ — revealing the environmental tensions that lie underneath our grassy paddocks and forest canopies.

Spectacular performance design by director Sam Trubridge and stunning choreography by Sean MacDonald combine to present a powerful, poignant lament for the lost ecologies and history of Aotearoa New Zealand. An immersive soundscape by New Zealand composer Bevan Smith transports the audience through the evolution of the story: a transformation occurs, as Guthrie Smith’s principles are interwoven with Māori myth and legend.

Suburban rituals, pastoral tragedies and earthy reveries unfold with happenings “that assault both our senses and our conscience” Deirdre Tarrant, Capital Times. This evocative production exposes “the ineffectual and damaging attempts by the human race to tame the terrestrial ecosystem” Jenny Stevenson, Theatreview.

MacDonald will be joined in the performance by dancers Hannah Tasker-Poland, Emmanuel Reynaud, Brydie Colquhoun and Luke Hanna.

This work will be performed at Guthrie Smith Arboretum, Tūtira and will offer a unique opportunity to experience the work in its place of inspiration. Bus travel available. Please check www.hbaf.co.nz for more info

The Playground NZ acknowledges Tangoio Marae Trust and the tangata whenua of Tūtira, Ngāti Kurumokihi.