Strange Resting Places
30/08/08 20:10
Theatre Company: Taki Rua Productions
Writer: Rob Mokoraka, Paolo Rotondo
Director: Leo Gene Peters
Actors: Rob Mokaraka, Paolo Rotondo, Maaka Pohatu
Location: Glen Eden Playhouse
Italy 1944: A battle-torn theatre of World War II. The Allied onslaught stalls at Monte Cassino and the 28th Maori Battalion find themselves centre-stage. A young Maori soldier goes out to steel food; an Italian soldier takes cover in a stable and both find themselves trapped in a dangerous and deadly stand-off, but with the Germans just outside, their survival depends on co-operation.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Strange Resting Places weaves fiction with history to tell stories inspired by the Maori Battalion in Italy.
Crafted from personal experience and extensive research by writers Rob Mokoraka and Paolo Rotondo, Strange Resting Places shines a light on the three universals that Maori shared with the Italians - Whanau, food and song ... not to mention wily cunning, a love of vino and a passion for the ladies.
Performed in Maori, English and Italian with live music and numerous hilarious and moving characters, Strange Resting Places examines the complex emotional bonds of New Zealand’s wartime history.
More than just theatre entertainment, Paolo says Strange Resting Places is a celebration and commemoration to all those whose lives were touched at Monte Cassino, Italy in 1944.
I think the thing I loved about this most about this production was how inventively the epic war story ... involving the bombing of a monastery ... was told. Despite the fact that there were only three actors, a small space and a few props, I was transported to Italy in 1943-44 and moved by the stories of the people involved. It was a pleasure to watch three actors, each a real personality in his own right, enjoying sharing the stage together and creating something so engaging and entertaining. The wonderful singing throughout was a bonus!
Writer: Rob Mokoraka, Paolo Rotondo
Director: Leo Gene Peters
Actors: Rob Mokaraka, Paolo Rotondo, Maaka Pohatu
Location: Glen Eden Playhouse
Synopsis (From Flyer):
Italy 1944: A battle-torn theatre of World War II. The Allied onslaught stalls at Monte Cassino and the 28th Maori Battalion find themselves centre-stage. A young Maori soldier goes out to steel food; an Italian soldier takes cover in a stable and both find themselves trapped in a dangerous and deadly stand-off, but with the Germans just outside, their survival depends on co-operation.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Strange Resting Places weaves fiction with history to tell stories inspired by the Maori Battalion in Italy.
Crafted from personal experience and extensive research by writers Rob Mokoraka and Paolo Rotondo, Strange Resting Places shines a light on the three universals that Maori shared with the Italians - Whanau, food and song ... not to mention wily cunning, a love of vino and a passion for the ladies.
Performed in Maori, English and Italian with live music and numerous hilarious and moving characters, Strange Resting Places examines the complex emotional bonds of New Zealand’s wartime history.
More than just theatre entertainment, Paolo says Strange Resting Places is a celebration and commemoration to all those whose lives were touched at Monte Cassino, Italy in 1944.
Thoughts on this Production:
I think the thing I loved about this most about this production was how inventively the epic war story ... involving the bombing of a monastery ... was told. Despite the fact that there were only three actors, a small space and a few props, I was transported to Italy in 1943-44 and moved by the stories of the people involved. It was a pleasure to watch three actors, each a real personality in his own right, enjoying sharing the stage together and creating something so engaging and entertaining. The wonderful singing throughout was a bonus!