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"Patronise a theatre of ideas. A sensual and energising communal environment" Geraldine Brophy
Maaka Pohatu, Paolo Rotundo and Rob Mokaraka in Strange Resting Places.
In conjunction with Auckland City we are thrilled to offer new and existing Maori writers the opportunity to develop plays with development assistance towards workshops and presentations in 2009. Your submission must include a short synopsis of your story, an outline of the characters, and at least a sample scene. (a full scene, or sections from different scenes). Submissions are open to anyone of Maori descent. Applications and enquiries must be in writing to Jenni Heka , email jenni@playmarket.org.nz or P.O. Box 9767, Te Aro, Wellington. DEADLINE: Friday November 21, 2008.
This year's inaugural Matariki Forum was an exciting way to launch this new playwrights' initiative in Tamaki Makaurau, and we are pleased to be able to publish here online some of the valuable discussions that featured, for wider reading and discussion. We also provide a section for written responses to which we have already had two contributions. We welcome your contribution (see below).
This year's forum was held at THE EDGE, Aotea Centre on 28 June 2008. It was MC'd by Grace Hoet - Board member here at Playmarket.
Hone Kaa opened the day with our Karakia, Whakamaumahara, Mihi Whakatau:
Matariki Playwrights Forum Hui Welcoming Address
The featured discussion of the day 'Where is Maori Theatre' attracted passionate and insightful korero from panelists:
'Where is Maori Theatre' Panel Discussion.
Chaired by Playwright and Actor Rawiri Paratene, speakers included Rore Hapipi (playwright/poet), James Ashcroft (Taki Rua), Miria George (Tawata Productions), Jamie McCaskill (actor/ playwright), Kirk Torrance( actor /playwright) , Albert Belz ( actor/playwright), Willie Davis ( actor /playwright) and Tainui Tukiwaho( SmackBang Theatre).
The discussion was followed by strong addresses from the floor and further conversation with the panelists:
Where is Maori Theatre' Audience Reponses
Playmarket wishes to continue the korero that was started at the Matariki Forum hui by inviting written responses to be posted on this site. There are two to read - by Waimihi Hotere (who completed the transcripts, with thanks to Arts Waikato) and panelist Tainui Takiwaho:
Written Responses to Matariki Forum Hui.
All further contirbutions should be sent to jenni@playmarket.org.nz
The Matariki program also included discussion and performance with visiting Honouring Theatre Playwrights' (Chaired by Amanda Hereaka, Open Book Productions) Tammy Anderson, Yirra Yaakin (Western Australia) and Yvette Nolan, Native Earth (Canada) on writing from an Indigenous perspective.
Matariki Playwrights 08 also featured presentations of two new New Zealand Maori theatre works in development by emerging playwrights Ariki Spooner and Renae Maihi. The two writers worked with visiting UK dramaturgs Tanika Gupta and Ola Animashawun, and then with dramaturg/directors Waimihi Hotere and Rawiri Paratene for workshop and presentation of their work at Matariki. See above for details of applying for this assistance this year.
Matariki is about remembrance, harvest and preparing the ground for the new season ahead, celebration and new beginnings. Playmarket is about representing and developing playwrights. This was our first forum for Maori playwrights and the theatre that will help give their work life. New beginnings.