Atamira Dance Company Marks 21 Years with the Premiere of Te Wheke 

Te Wheke is a powerful new full-length dance work from Atamira Dance Company. The inspirational collectivecommemorates their 21^st year as the leading creator and presenter of Māori contemporary dance.

Eight dancers and eight practitioners, both tuakana and teina, explore the dimensions of human experience symbolised by the eight tentacles of the mighty Te Wheke, in this explosive new contemporary dance work showing for two nights only at the ASB Waterfront Theatre on June 11 & 12 and for four shows at Kia Mau Festival from June 17-19.

“Atamira wanted to represent the legacy of the many artists who have contributed over the years, and instead of a retrospective collection we are producing something that holds all the hallmarks of what has made our mahi so integral to the dance landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau” says founding member and Artistic Director, Jack Gray.

Te Wheke refers to the Octopus, our guardian on this long journey from past into future, activating healing now in this time we all share. Solo and ensemble expressions of darkness and light occur within shape shifting worlds of floating black silk. Layers of symbolism emanate through magical AV patterning and mesmeric soundscapes with lighting enhancing all – both revealing and hiding.

“Twenty one years ago, when Atamira Dance Collective was founded there was no Māori TV or radio,” says Jack Gray. “As young urban Māori we wanted to see ourselves. Dance has always been the platform by which we can transpose timeframes and look at things from our tīpuna. Young Māori in 2021 feel empowered and global. So with this work we embody the symbolic bones of the past as we gesture towards future potential.”

Te Wheke is a powerful tohu for many Oceanic peoples, appearing in different mythologies. This guardian of the seas has many strengths and abilities.  “When the name ‘Te Wheke‘ came to us we discovered the late Rangimarie Rose Pere’s model of hauora which aligned a Mātauranga Maori dimension of health and wellbeing to each of the eight tentacles. We chose to honour her model in our choreographic structure”, says Executive Director Marama Lloydd.

Some of Aotearoa’s leading names in dance are involved in this milestone production, including Sean MacDonald, Taane Mete, Kelly Nash, Jack Gray, Dolina Wehipeihana, Gabrielle Thomas, Kura Te Ua, Bianca Hyslop and Louise Potiki Bryant, who foster the performance of some exceptional experienced and emerging talents. The Atamira whānau have come out in force to mark this momentous occasion and to honour the legacy of this incredible company’s colossal contribution to Māori contemporary dance.

Titiro ki muri, haere whakamua
Look back, move forward

For more information, visit atamiradance.co.nz

TE WHEKE plays

TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND

ASB Waterfront Theatre
138 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland

Friday 11 June: 7.30 PM
Saturday 12 June: 7.30 PM includes post-show talk

Premium: $50* Full Price, $45* Concession
A Reserve $40* Full Price, $35* Concession
B Reserve: $28*
Under 12: $25*
Tickets available via ASB Waterfront Theatre

Schools matinee:
Friday 11 June:12.30 PM includes post-show talk
Tickets $15*
TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA WELLINGTON
 Kia Mau Festival

Te Whaea – National Dance & Drama Centre
11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington

Thursday 17 June: 7.30 PM
Friday 18 June: 7.30 PM includes post-show talk
Saturday 19 June: 1 PM includes post-show talk
Saturday 19 June:  7.30 PM

Adult: $35*
Concession: $30*
Group 6+: $25* each
Student: $25
Tickets available via Kia Mau Festival

Schools matinee:
Friday 18 June: 12.30 PM includes post-show talk
Tickets $15*

*booking fees may apply