Hōkioi Me Te Vwōhali

Enter a world of sacred eagles that blends the ancient with the modern.

From spirit eagles land explores parallels between the Hōkioi (Haast) Eagle and the Vwōhali (American Golden) Eagle, embodying the majesty and mana of those two sacred birds and their shared whakapapa.

Swooping and soaring, the dancers’ movement is enhanced by a cinematic surround-sound experience that cleverly transports you between Aotearoa, Duyuktv (Cherokee) land and the spiritual realm.

For Ōkāreka choreographer Taiaroa Royal (Te Arawa, Kai Tahu, Ngāti Raukawa, Ūenukukōpako), this is the climax of his 11-year journey of cultural discovery that began with a chance meeting with Cincinnati-based choreographers Missy and Andrew Hubbard of Exhale Dance Tribe and the revelation that both Māori and the Duyuktv people share a special connection through reverence of the eagle. Be there for this, the world premiere season.

There is a free pre-show talk for this event on Saturday 14 March at Soundings Theatre, Te Papa.
Commissioned by New Zealand Festival of the Arts. Supported by Creative New Zealand and Foundation North.

Partnered by: Studio Pacific Architecture

Thanks to Creative NZ.