Hone Kouka's WAIORA: TE U KAI PO – THE HOMELAND Returns to The Court Theatre

Hone Kouka wrote Waiora: Te U Kai Po - The Homeland as a tribute to his family. In the twenty years since its premiere, this family drama has become an iconic work of New Zealand and Maori theatre. Kouka will direct a new production of his work at The Court Theatre from August 13th - September 3rd.

Set in 1965 (a period when New Zealand was changing rapidly with industrialization and the majority of urban drift in the M?ori community)Waiora tells the story of a family who have moved from the North Island to the South Island to build better lives. But leaving their homeland has had a cost: the family feel disconnected from their ancestors and, increasingly, from each other. As the family prepare for a beachside birthday for their youngest daughter, Rongo, with two pakeha guests, these tensions come to the surface and the family must find a way to stay true to themselves.

Kouka credits the play's longevity to its simplicity. "It's a family story - that doesn't change. About being true to yourself - and if you don't, you'll come unstuck." Kouka goes on to add the resonance the play has had with men. "I wrote Hone (the patriarch) as someone who's not Jake the Muss; to show a man who realizes and accepts that love wins through."

Kouka intentionally cast as many actors from or with a strong connection to Christchurch as possible, including Kim Garrett as Wai Te Atatu/Sue, Tola Newbery as Boyboy, Hannah Spedding as Louise Stone and Tania Gilchrist as one of the Tipuna. It is also the professional stage debut of Te Awhina Kaiwai-Wanikau as Rongo.

To order tickets, call 03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz

Ticket Prices (with Early bird prices available until 18 August) are $50 Whanau: 4 tickets to any performance in the first week for just $50. Additional tickets $12.50 each. Minimum 4 tickets, maximum 8, senior (65yrs+): $46- $54, adult: $53-$61, under 25: $34-$42, child: $24-$32, Community Service Card: $34-$42, group 20+: $46-$54, supporter: $44-$52.

Opening Night is Saturday 13th August, 7.30pm. There will be a post show forum, Monday 15th August, 6.30pm, a matinée: Saturday 27th August, 2.00pm.

Regular show times are Monday & Thursday at 6.30pm, and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 7.30pm

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