Te Pou Theatre presents Racists Anonymous [RA] 

Audiences are invited to join a meeting of Racists Anonymous [RA] for an immersive theatrical satire that will bring people together to laugh and learn through the often-unexpected journeys of the average racist.

Directed by Tainui Tukiwaho, The premiere season plays at Te Pou Theatre, Auckland from 18-22 May (as part of NZ International Comedy Festival) before heading on tour to Kaitaia and Whangarei from mid-June.

“I’m a racist and it’s ok, I’m getting better every day”. Racists Anonymous is staged as a real time support meeting. Audiences join the circle where they are granted membership with only one requirement: to have the desire to stop being a racist.

Racists Anonymous [RA] brings people together to tear racism apart. RA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from the insidious affliction known as Racism. Our doors, our ears and our hearts are open for you. So, come on in and join our whānau fighting for a world of peace and love. Our next meeting features a special “cultural appreciation” performance from the Māori members of the group. Not to be missed!

[RA] was first developed as part of a Rangitahi Development season at Te Pou in 2019. Writer, Director and Founder of Te Pou Theatre, Tainui Tukiwaho (Tūhoe, Te Arawa) was eager to develop the piece into a full-length show. Tukiwaho saw the opportunity to reframe how we think about racism. And to challenge audiences to take ownership of the issue as a collective social problem.

Speaking about the show, Tukiwaho said, “Everyone’s a racist. Racism has been a useful old tool for some that now sits in the hands of the many at the expense of us all. In [RA] we have fun with the many ways this tool is used now and how messy it gets as we try discard it, like the abacus or the telegraph, on the way to better humaning.”

Combining the talents of four young and superbly talented Māori actors, the work is part-scripted and part-improvised, taking form as a fully-fledged comedic theatrical experience. The ensemble of actors includes Tuakoi Ohia (Ahikaaroa, Black Ties), Acacia O’Conner (Mistress, Mercy), Ngahiriwa Rauhina (Te Pou Double Bill, Pourakahua), as well as newcomer Te Arohanui Way-Korewha.

The characters and journeys in [RA] explore the complexities and nuances existing in the spectrum of racism in Aotearoa, as they playfully draw attention to a national affliction we just cannot seem to shake.

Te Pou Theatre offers tikanga Māori led performing arts experiences that make a necessary difference to society in Aotearoa and the world.

Racists Anonymous plays:

AUCKLAND:
Te Pou Theatre, 18-22 May
All shows 7pm. Matinée performance at 3pm, 22 May
As part of the NZ Intl. Comedy Festival
Book at www.iticket.co.nz

KAITAIA:
Te Ahu Hall, 17-19 June, All shows 7pm

WHANGAREI:
ONEONESIX, 30 June – 3 July, All shows 7pm

For more info visit: www.tepoutheatre.nz