Ūkaipō

Delving into the many layers of motherhood and interwoven into conversations of movement, ŪKAIPŌ captures the magnificence of wāhine and their ability to manifest life. This dance theatre work leaves you with a hint of knowing that life, with all its complexities, is woven from a fabric of aroha and can only be described as magic. Audiences find themselves flooded with tears and laughing out loud while witnessing the experiences shared by five wāhine toa.

Blanketed in tīkanga and saturated in the sounds of Taonga Pūoro (Maori wind instruments) and traditional waiata (song), ŪKAIPŌ is a physical expression of what it means to be a provider of sustenance. Collaboratively devised in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) under the direction of Gabrielle Thomas, ŪKAIPŌ acknowledges the importance of whakapapa (genealogy) and whenua (land, placenta) and breaks the mould with its mixed generation local cast Stormy Kay, Jenn Ruka, Jess Collins, Jan Fisher & Jasmin Fisher-Johnson

“Jan Fisher’s presence onstage was a breath of fresh air - in a society that privileges youth, Fisher’s embodiment of the wisdom and beauty that can only come from time and a life lived was strong, fluid and humorous.” - Ngāriki Ngatae

Strong symbolism awakens the mist of Papatūānuku, the riverbeds of Hine Pounamu and the lapping shorelines of Hinemoana. Brought to light by local lighting designer Scott Wyde, this rich collaboration weaves sound, light, theatre and dance together, embracing the essence of Hine te Iwa Iwa and illustrating the meaning of Ukaipo.

Props are introduced and seamlessly disappear, giving insight to the rich layers of the work, bringing audiences into the deeper folds of UKAIPO.

Through an alchemy of playful physical theatre making, storytelling and dance emerge many landscapes and images. The interior of a homestead, a backyard filled with fruit trees, a washing line and birthing chair, the topknot of Taranga, the river and the sea.

Cloth nappies and bleached sheets will flap and frolic. Milk bottles will spill and later be blown whilst bells chime. With heartfelt power, a mother will birth her baby and later Aunty Do's waving hands will trace the cycle of life.

Ukaipo is an acknowledgement of all mothers and a celebration of creation.

“Ukaipo stands out as one of the most breathtaking contemporary dance performances I’ve ever witnessed” - Jason Tahu Taylor

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