Final Curtain Call for Retiring Screen & Stage Legend Rawiri Paratene
After an extraordinary career that has cemented Rawiri Paratene is a national treasure. This beloved figure makes his swan song performance with Peter Paka Paratene – Ask me anything, playing at Te Pou Theatre from April 16-24. An intimate evening of storytelling and song, Rawiri and his band share a cheeky musical look through the round window into the incredible life and career of a magnificent man.
First developed as part of Te Pou Theatre’s 2017 Kōanga Festival to both critical and audience acclaim, it is fitting that this season of Peter Paka Paratene will be the first show to tread the boards in the Tokomanawa Theatre within Te Pou at Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The second phase of revitalising Te Pou’s fit-for-purpose space is complete, with a full theatre rig adorning the new ceiling within Shed 1 and new walls encompassing the existing stage – the heart of the whare now beating. Gifting this work to the Te Pou whānau as the performance chapter of his life ends, Rawiri is ready to pass the baton on to the next generation of Māori theatre makers.
“…if you’re a fan of this taonga aka our “national treasure” then this is the perfect opportunity to get to know Rāwiri Paratene’s inner thoughts and his extremely cheeky nature in a marvellously intimate setting. Don’t miss it!” – Theatrescenes, 2017
A truly iconic performer with nearly 50 years of credits under his belt, Rawiri has made the decision to hang up his hat after this season since recovering from a stroke in 2019. The man who brought irrepressible life to roles such as Koro in the Academy Award nominated Whale Rider and Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Globe to Globe is taking his final curtain call, in this touching and warm celebration of his life. The season gives all a chance to see Rawiri truly in his element, simultaneously marking an opening and a closing moment for Māori theatre history.
Encompassing his own poetry, songs, and favourite classical works, Rawiri regales the audience with stories of his youth, activism, work, and family, offering an insight into the real life of a man that has touched the hearts of so many across Aotearoa. The anecdotes come from the three distinct phases of his life; Peter, Paka, and Paratene. From his youth during the urban shift from Hokianga to South Auckland and his early activism with Ngā Tamatoa, to his experiences in the heady rush during the coming of age of New Zealand performing arts and his later career that has taken him to perform all across the globe – Rawiri’s inimitable ability to spin a yarn is in full flight here.
“I thoroughly love Peter Paka Paratene and commend the genius thought behind it…
I’m contemplating if I should return to watch him again”
Theatreview, 2017
The nation’s only Māori led theatre venue is delighted to come full circle to celebrate the final performances from a genuine kaumātua of the theatre, while laying the foundations for a true homebase for future generations. Fun, funny, and at times a little bit naughty, this is a fitting moment to share a korero with Rawiri before he puts his feet up and takes some well-earned relaxation away from the stage lights.
PETER PAKA PARATENE – Ask me anything
16 – 24 April 2021, 7pm
Te Pou Tokomanawa Theatre – Corban Estate
2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson
Online digital performance experience also available
https://www.tepoutheatre.nz/peter-paka-paratene
Tickets on-sale from Monday 15 March, via iTICKET
General Admission – $35
Concession / Group 10+ – $30
CREDITS
Lead // Rawiri Paratene
Musical Director // John Gibson
Director // Tainui Tukiwaho
Band // Tuakoi Ohia and Richie Grzyb
Lighting // Calvin Hudson
Set // Regan Taylor
AV Design // Eve Gordon
Producers // Amber Curreen and Chloe Weavers
