AAF: Ka Tito Au - Kupe's Heroic Journey

A lively, ingenious retelling of the adventures of Kupe in Aotearoa.

Be swept along by the voyage of Kupe, the great Pacific explorer and navigator, in this richly imagined solo show by writer and poet Apirana Taylor.

Ka Tito Au celebrates the long ago exploits of a man many believe was the first visitor to these shores. Tracing Kupe’s whakapapa and his connection to the islands and the ocean, his dramatic expedition on the waka Matahourua, and his climactic battle with the giant octopus Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, this thrilling odyssey, conceived as an epic poem by Taylor, spans myriad narratives ripe for rediscovery.

A charismatic and amiable orator, actor Tola Newbery makes every episode come to life. He infuses his extraordinary performance with creative modern flourishes and stirring waiata tawhito (traditional Māori songs). Mixing history, mythology and symbolism, Ka Tito Au is Kupe’s legend as you’ve never heard it before. A marvel of storytelling everyone should experience.

“Dynamic storytelling… may it have the long life it deserves so many thousands more can enjoy it.” — Theatreview

ON TOUR THROUGHOUT REGIONAL AUCKLAND
• Māngere Arts Centre / Fri 15 March 12.30PM
• Barnett Hall, Piha / Sat 16 March 2.00PM
• Reweti Marae, Waimauku / Sat 16 March 7.00PM
• Depot Artspace, Devonport / Sun 17 March 1.00PM
• Warkworth Town Hall / Sun 17 March 6.00PM
• Piritahi Marae, Waiheke Island / Fri 22 March 7.00PM
• Franklin Arts Centre, Pukekohe / Sat 23 March 2.00PM
• Te Oro, Glen Innes / Sat 23 March 7.00PM
• Uxbridge Arts Centre, Howick / Sun 24 March 1.00PM
• Waipapa Marae, Auckland Central / Sun 24 March 6.00PM

Recommended for ages 8+

Duration: 50mins, no interval

Performed in English

Access Performances
- Touch Tour: Fri 15 March 11.30AM
- Touch Tour: Sun 24 March 5.00PM
Visit aaf.co.nz/access for details

Originally commissioned by New Zealand Festival. Presented by arrangement with Playmarket.
Image: © Jeff McEwan