Riwia Brown (Ngati Porou, Te Whanau-A-Apanui and Taranaki) has been involved with Maori Theatre in Wellington since the early eighties, performing as an actor with Te Ohu Whakaari. Her first play Roimata premiered at The Depot Theatre in 1988 and was later adapted for television and published in He Reo Hou a collection of Maori plays. She continued to write successfully for theatre and in 1992 adapted Alan Duff's novel Once Were Warriors into an acclaimed film. Since then she has worked on several national and international film and television projects as well as having a further two further plays produced. Riwia lives in Paekakariki, north of Wellington.
Riwia Brown
The consequences of a makutu (curse) laid during the New Zealand land wars haunts this passionate story. A seemingly perfect married couple of the 1950's are victims of a web of secrets that threaten their very lives.
Cast: 3
Riwia Brown
In the labour ward of a maternity hospital we meet Dana - a young Maori student, left to deal with her pregancy alone - and Moana - a well-educated, successful, married older woman who has conceived after 8 years or trying. A play about relationships and circumstance.
Cast: 6
Riwia Brown
Roimata, having been brought up on the East Coast by her grandmother, comes to the city to stay with her half-sister Girlie. There she meets Eddy, the leader of an urban gang, and Kevin, a childhood friend who has since joined the Salvation Army.
Cast: 8
Riwia Brown
In this sequel to Roimata, the two sisters have returned to the East Coast. Girlie is about to get married, and Roimata invites Eddie up for the wedding.
Cast: 6
Riwia Brown
Should Maori be the national language of New Zealand? The debate between a Maori and Pakeha school deviates from what one would expect when the Pakeha team draws the affirmative. Written for young people.
Cast: 6