Wahine Mātātoa: the (mostly) true story of Erihāpeti Pātahi.
Like any teenager, Elizabeth dreams of adventure. But she has some tricky decisions to make in the here and now, that will affect what happens in her future. Could it be that her own tipuna, Erihāpeti Pātahi has the right advice?
This rollicking play of dual timelines blends humour and heartfelt moments to celebrate the connections between our past and present. A comedy of consequences, Wahine Mātātoa tells the story of our wāhine Kāi Tahu across time and space.
“Ka mua, ka muri”, walking backwards into the future, Elizabeth calls upon the (mostly) true stories of her ancestor, Erihāpeti, a high born, high-spirited wahine, a force as untameable as the sea.
“This is the story telling that I remember sitting at the feet of my aunties. It is who we are. It is why I would love to see it shared across all of Aotearoa.” - Tā Ian Taylor
A live taoka pūoro artist and four actors slide gracefully between the 16 characters in this emotional rollercoaster that will have you on the edge of your seat.
“My eyes well with tears… I remain in my seat, blown away.” Theatreview.
“Beautifully encapsulates the binding power of whakapapa to connect us through time.” Theatreview
Ōtepoti-based director, acting coach, and playwriter Cindy Diver (Kāi Tahu) is a direct descendant of Pātahi, bringing personal depth to the story in both a moving and joyful way. The production is a collaboration of a predominantly wāhine Kāi Tahu team, including renowned taoka pūoro artist Ruby Solly who has composed the score, which is performed by another direct descendant, Madison Kelly.
The titular character of Pātahi is played by Grace Turipa, who discovered during the rehearsal process that she is also a direct descendant of this fierce and staunch ancestor and is honoured to literally walk her story into life. Rooted in Te Wai Pounamu South Island, the production is a uniquely Kāi Tahu narrative that has us consider our whakapapa and identity – what parts of stories are passed down and what we end up piecing together from other sources.
Wahine Mātātoa is an endearing story that create a deep impression long after you leave the theatre.
If you’re keen on Wahine Mātātoa, you’ll also enjoy another theatre piece, Pōtaka Nautilus & Pepe, as well as some surreal storytelling in Suitcase Show.
Whaine Mātātoa: The (mostly) true story of Erihāpeti Pātahi
Allan Hall
Thu 27, Fri 28 & Sat 29 Mar at 7:30pm. Sat 29 & Sun 30 Mar at 2pm.
Hāwea Community Hall
Tue 1 April at 7pm
