TVNZ's Waka Huia has aired a documentary featuring the Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Professor Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal and his research. The documentary delves into the origins and history of whare tapere, traditional ‘houses’ of storytelling, dance and music.
Professor Royal’s research explores how fragments of knowledge concerning the whare tapere can be utilised in a contemporary arts project. He considers traditional ideas of space, venues for performance and adorning those spaces. Of particular interest is exploring the potential of whakaahua or ‘coming to form’ as a way of performing and informing the creation of physical structures and art works.
Ōrotokare: Art, Story, Motion Trust, is developing a new whare tapere work entitled Kārohirohi: The Light Dances which explores traditional ideas of haka-dance not seen in contemporary kapa-haka.
The Trust, with Professor Royal as Artistic Director, convened their first whare tapere in 2010 and a second in February this year. Preparations are underway for 2012.
Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga has supported this research since 2008.
To view the Waka Huia documentary, visit TVNZ on Demand
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