Paul Maunder has created a contemporary and fully-lived picture of our land. Whenua/DP4 LOT 173 is a combination of his vast of knowledge of the West Coast and his ability to incorporate recent events to the timeframe we are now living in.

Rose, a farmer’s wife, is constantly dancing with nostalgia, revealing her perspective of the land from her motherhood and marriage. But when the memories subside she is also able to voice her opinions that others don’t want to hear… but we do.

Omar represents hard work, the love for family, the sacrifice, the routine, the pain, the distance … all elements that shape the life of immigrant workers.

Aroha’s connection with the land is as rich as the description of the elements found in a handful of dirt that she holds for few moments …

Sell or not sell? That is the question that Ron, the son, needs to answer. Graham’s enthusiastic speech of numbers and volume transfers to his agitated eyes and chest that will only find peace when a signature is done.

Fragments are nicely linked between the characters’ actions, a flawless chain of words that reveals the characters’ thoughts, so different from one to another. Grass, water, nitrogen, cows, millions, the river, the factory, family…

Fences surround the audience. A soft guitar playing in the background and a couple of vehicles in motion complete the perfectly illuminated atmosphere .

After watching this play a sense of belonging may fall upon you. It certainly did for me. I admire this group of people for creating this, a space to think and feel for our West Coast.

The performances will be upstairs the Regent Theatre on August 24-25 at 7:30pm. 

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer