BlesstheChild

Download the programme for Bless the Child here. 

A searing new work from acclaimed playwright Hone Kouka that's part compelling urban thriller, part unflinching social commentary.

Eight lives and three worlds collide in this urgent, thought-provoking play; a story of life and death and good vs. bad. After a child is found dead, a hotshot lawyer is dragged into the case to defend the demonised mother. As the whānau closes ranks, the question of who killed the baby - and whose prejudice is exposed - is brought provocatively to the surface.

A giant of New Zealand theatre, Hone Kouka (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungunu) is behind such award-winning plays as Ngā Tangata Toa, Waiora: Te-ū-kai-pō (The Homeland), Tu and I, George Nepia. He credits his mother for challenging him to write his latest, Bless the Child; to begin a korero around the responsibility of whānau and people to protect all children.

 Directed by Mīria George and presented by leading Māori and Cook Islands theatre company Tawata Productions, this passionately realised play, told through an eloquent Māori lens, confronts the hard truths of our shared humanity.

Contains nudity, strong language and violence.

EXTRA: Kanohi ki te Kanohi Forum
With leading indigenous theatre companies Tawata Productions (Aotearoa) and Ilbijerri Theatre (Australia)
Join us for a Panel Discussion with Tawata Productions' Hone Kouka and Mīria George, and Ilbijerri Theatre directors and producers Rachael Maza and Lydia
Fairhall (Jack Charles v The Crown). Movers, shakers, creators, provocateurs in theatre, these artists discuss their work and the driving force behind their companies.
Sun 11 March 2.00pm-3.00pm
Rangatira, Q Theatre

Watch the Māori Television interview on Bless The Child here

Listen to Hone Kouka's interview with Radio New Zealand here