The title of this work, Tiki Taane Mahuta is a conjugation of the composer’s name, Tiki Taane and the choreographer’s name, Tanemahuta Gray. As the show is narrative based it strikes me as unusual. Tiki translated from Māori means figurehead; Taane Mahuta, is the God of the Forest who separated his parents Te Rangi (the Sky Father) and Te Papa (the Earth Mother) in the Māori Creation Story.

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Tiki Taane Mahuta welds together the powerful music of musician and composer Tiki Taane and the fiercely physical choreography of Artistic Director Tanemahuta Gray. This dark and intensely emotional yet ultimately uplifting story of love, loss and redemption is beautifully told through the lens of Māori tradition; utilizing film, still images, deceptively simple aerials and a powerful dance fusion of contemporary, Haka, and hip-hop. 

The narrative story line follows the lives of two couples: Karen and Eraia, and Marie and Paul. A tragic accident leaves Karen alone with her unborn son, and Paul in a coma. The drama moves back and forth between the complexly interwoven relationships of both couples and the one blossoming between their children. Their story is laced with ancestral imagery and power, told through the striking cinematography of Mathew Knight, and featuring Uekaha Taane Tinorau as the tupuna rangatira. 

The cast are phenomenal, and repeatedly demonstrate their mastery of their craft through two hours of vastly demanding choreography in contemporary, Haka, Māori Martial Arts and deeply poignant duets. Slow motion adds an extra layer of passionate depth to the most emotionally charged scenes. Highlights include the elegant and profoundly expressive aerial work, and an exquisitely managed homoerotic duet. Karen’s personal demons are also beautifully portrayed in several chilling vignettes. 

The first half of the show closes with an absolutely stunning contemporary Haka as the spirits of Karen’s ancestors take the stage. The extraordinary aerials in the second half of the show lift the energy to an even greater level, and the impressively fierce display of Māori Martial Arts is truly breath taking to behold. 

The soundtrack, Tiki Taane’s signature drum and bass, electronica, acoustic and dubstep, blends seamlessly with the drama unfolding onstage. The music, the emotion, and the dance superbly come together to portray humanity in all its tragedy and glory, its loss and its hope. Christchurch residents understand what it means to survive heartbreak and find hope, and the essential message of this beautiful work speaks deeply to us. Also evident in each and every moment is the pride and respect for Māori culture, traditions and beliefs. Details such as the intricate and exquisite carving on the ancestral waka add to the richness and complexity of the production.

The soundtrack and the production are gorgeous, but what truly makes this show is the phenomenal cast. These dancers are absolutely gifted, and display impressive stamina and clean technique throughout an evening of rigorously exacting choreography.

This is a show not to be missed, with powerful messages told through beautiful artistry and downright magnificent dancing. 

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