The Māori word Kōpū translates to ‘womb’ in English. And for me, this show is like the safe haven of a familiar home, the comforting embrace of an old friend, or the knowing smile of a trusted whānau member. It is a pleasure and a joy to be wrapped up in its layers of humour, heart and hypnotic singing. 

The six wāhine Māori of the cast instantly create an electrifying presence within the theatre. Their ethereal vocals, magnetic chemistry with each other and adept skill on their instruments mean the show is well-paced with lots of laughs, and many gasp-inducing musical moments as song is woven throughout. 

This show is very quick to explain to us the difference between women and wāhine, and expressly tells us to leave our white feminism at the door. This disclaimer elicits in me feelings of curiosity and excitement; I know this show wasn’t made for me (pākehā), so it is an honour to share it. To me, this show feels like it is not targeting the ‘traditional’ Christchurch theatregoing audience, and I love that. As a proud member of the Ōtautahi Feminist Clown Posse I’m all about any art form that raises women up, challenges the patriarchy, and gives minority voices the spotlight and a mic. 

The non-linear format of the show means there is no ‘story-line’ or central character to follow. Instead, we are shown vignettes which give us insight into the life of wāhine Māori as they weave memories, poetry, music, stories, poi and some rather memorable costumes into a non-stop riot. We laugh so much throughout the show that afterwards my companion and I can’t stop listing our ‘favourite’ bits until we’ve recounted most of the show. 

Kōpū is a guest production: a show which was originally conceived and produced elsewhere and that has been invited to be programmed as part of the new season in the exciting new space The Court Theatre now occupies. The artistic director of The Court, Alison Walls, says in the show programme that because the show has received such rousing accolades in Wellington and Auckland “we do not think Ōtautahi should miss out!” – a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. It is wonderful to see The Court programming such an exciting, progressive and contemporary work like Kōpū; work that not only reflects modern Aotearoa, but allows us to connect with the past as well. 

In an effort to adhere to a ‘no spoilers’ code of conduct here, I will limit my review and keep my closing remarks brief, but clear: this is a fabulous show with relevant messages for all who attend, not just women or wāhine. With the season closing this Saturday, and selling well, don’t hesitate to book your tickets now and get ready to laugh, connect and feel the magic.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer

A strong wāhine fills the stage with her mana and opens the space saying “Leave your white feminism at the door,” settling the wairua of the theatre. Kōpū takes the audience on a journey through life, snippets of core memories that are shared within Māori wāhine’s lives. These experiences are conveyed through korēro and waiata with an immensely strong sense of realness. A whanau begins to develop during the show within the audience and cast as watchers are invited up onto the stage to participate in song, and play with poi. By the end of the performance, a resonating essence is left in the theatre that fulfils the souls of the audience. 

It is so powerful and comforting to hear the native tongue of Aotearoa being spoken so seamlessly and is gratifying to see the language alive and so potent in the show’s content. Even though not being fluent in Te Reo myself, I am still able to capture the essence of the speech through the cast’s performance, so don’t let this aspect deter you. The purity and projection of the voices energise the space while also implementing important messages for the watchers to think over. Honesty and openness of real life experiences shared by the cast feels like a privilege to be a part of and the solidarity of the rōpū is very clearly shown.

Each and every cast member’s individuality is highlighted, however the unity and strength of their bond as friends is amazing to witness. Brady Peeti, Tuakoi Ohia, Te Huamanuka Luiten Apirana, Ngakirikiri Kershaw, Jane Leonard & Amber Curreen hit the stage with a sparkle of joy to share and a confident presence. The director Amber Curreen even has to make a featured appearance in the show as another cast member has fallen ill! Tuakoi Ohia wrote the show perfectly, transitions through scenes flow and the performance ias packed with relevant content that wāhine will experience at some point in their life.

This whakaari exceeds my expectations and a truly deserved standing ovation is received at the end of the performance. Keep in mind that there are adult themes, coarse language, racial slurs and content that may be offensive to some in the show. If you are looking for a show that surrounds you with a strong manawāhine presence or just wanting a good laugh, I would 100% recommend buying a ticket and heading down to the Hannah’s Playhouse to experience Kōpū!!

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer