Stones in her mouth at The Brussels City Theatre

Lemi Ponifasio and his New Zealand-based company MAU construct sublimely forceful works that resonate with vivid images and the dynamic interplay of darkness and light. The company brings life to the historic Palace Theatre with Stones In Her Mouth, which introduces a ten-member ensemble of Maori women who articulate a powerful and undisguised challenge—voiced through the Maori language, genealogy, spirituality and ceremony. Drawing on the tradition of Maori women as the writers of poetry and chant, this courageous work of transmission gives expression to resiliency and outrage in the face of power structures and oppression. Through oratory, choral-work and dance, the performers address issues of being Maori women in this world and turn a mirror to the massive social and political turmoil of our times.