Rehearsals are in full swing for Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, with young performers stepping into the spotlight alongside some of Aotearoa’s most respected theatre practitioners.
Inside the rehearsal room for Waiora, emerging actors are working closely with experienced artists as they prepare for the festival’s 18 day programme of performances across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Festival director Ataahua Papa says creating opportunities for rangatahi to learn alongside experienced practitioners is a key part of the festival’s vision.
“He mea pai tēnā kia kite i te hunga rangatahi e noho tahi ana ki ngā mātanga ki te whakawhānui i ā rātou pūkenga i tēnei ao toi,” she says.
At Te Pou Theatre, rehearsals are also underway for the bold Māori play WET, directed by Amber Curreen. The award winning play by Māori and Pacific playwright Tūī Matelau explores pleasure, power and the politics of women finding their voice.
Curreen says bringing the production to the festival stage is significant.
“Ki au nei he mea nui kia tū tēnei whakaari ki roto i tēnei ahurei toi o Tāmaki, he mea hei whakatairanga i te kirituhi a Tūī Matelau, koinei tōna whakaaturanga tuatahi.”
Before the curtain rises, performers from across the programme gathered at Aotea Square where Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hosted a pōhiri to officially welcome artists to the city.
Among those attending were cast members from a Samoan production featuring Māori actress Mere Boynton.
Festival organisers say the event brings together powerful storytelling, theatre and music from Aotearoa and around the world as the festival celebrates its 23rd year.