He Reo Aroha/Words of Love
26/08/10 19:45
Theatre Company: Tawata Productions
Writer: Miria George and Jamie McCaskill
Director: Hone Kouka
Cast: Jamie McCaskill and Kali Kopae
Location: Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre
He Reo Aroha weaves the beauty of original waiata, with a compelling story of love and music. Childhood sweethearts Laia and Pascoe were always worlds apart. Kaia had trained to sing, grooming her voice for greatness. Working for the fishing boats with his father, a song was never far from Pascoe’s lips.
In the heart of Ti Kapa, one warm summer’s night, their voices entwine sealing a love that will last a lifetime. Choosing music over love, Kaia leaves for New York in search of a career that offers privilege and prestige. Broken-hearted, Pascoe is left behind in Ti Kapa to follow in his father’s footsteps.
When life doesn’t bring Kaia and Pascoe all they had hoped for, the soon discover it is music that will get them through and love that will bring them back together.
This was imaginatively presented, full of laughter and utterly charming. The cast was really strong and did a convincing job of shifting between characters. I really enjoyed the ease with which music was realistically integrated into the production - without anyone inexplicably breaking into song (as in musicals). The only weakness, from my perspective, was finding some aspects of the central relationship unconvincing.
Writer: Miria George and Jamie McCaskill
Director: Hone Kouka
Cast: Jamie McCaskill and Kali Kopae
Location: Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre
Synopsis (from flyer):
He Reo Aroha weaves the beauty of original waiata, with a compelling story of love and music. Childhood sweethearts Laia and Pascoe were always worlds apart. Kaia had trained to sing, grooming her voice for greatness. Working for the fishing boats with his father, a song was never far from Pascoe’s lips.
In the heart of Ti Kapa, one warm summer’s night, their voices entwine sealing a love that will last a lifetime. Choosing music over love, Kaia leaves for New York in search of a career that offers privilege and prestige. Broken-hearted, Pascoe is left behind in Ti Kapa to follow in his father’s footsteps.
When life doesn’t bring Kaia and Pascoe all they had hoped for, the soon discover it is music that will get them through and love that will bring them back together.
Thoughts on this Production:
This was imaginatively presented, full of laughter and utterly charming. The cast was really strong and did a convincing job of shifting between characters. I really enjoyed the ease with which music was realistically integrated into the production - without anyone inexplicably breaking into song (as in musicals). The only weakness, from my perspective, was finding some aspects of the central relationship unconvincing.