Te Wheke - Kia Mau Festival

Eight dancers and eight practitioners both tuakana and teina, explore the multi-layered dimensions of human experience, symbolised by the eight tentacles of the mighty Te Wheke in this explosive new contemporary dance work.

Te Wheke refers to the Octopus, our guardian on this long journey from past into future, activating healing now in this time we all share.

Solo and ensemble expressions of darkness and light occur within shapeshifting worlds of floating black silk. Layers of symbolism emanate through magical AV patterning and mesmeric soundscapes with lighting enhancing all - both revealing and hiding.

Some of Aotearoa’s leading names in dance are involved in this milestone 21st birthday production, including Sean MacDonald, Taane Mete, Kelly Nash, Jack Gray, Dolina Wehipeihana, Gabrielle Thomas, Kura Te Ua, Bianca Hyslop and Louise Potiki Bryant, who foster the performance of some exceptional experienced and emerging talents.

Te Whānau Atamira have come out in force to mark this momentous occasion and to honour the legacy of this incredible company’s colossal contribution to Māori contemporary dance.