Theatre
Dance

ARAWHATA

In a joyful celebration of diversity, Wellington Ballroom brings you ArawhataArawhata was awarded ‘Best Ensemble’, ‘Momentous Movement’ & ‘Best in Fest’ at the 2023 NZ Fringe Festival.

$29 - $40
60 minutes, no interval
4 - 7 October 2023

In a joyful celebration of diversity, Wellington Ballroom brings you ARAWHATA.

This one-of-a-kind show captures the essence and lived experiences of queer, indigenous people of colour through a series of illuminating themes like race, gender and sexuality. 

Prepare to be swept away with the vibrant energies of dance, live music, cultural performance, and underground ballroom - a rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ subculture that emerged out of Harlem (NYC) in the early 1970s. Ballroom provides a sense of community, becoming the chosen ‘house’ or family for many and offering a safe space for self-expression in the form of voguing, fashion, lip-sync, and more. 

Standing alongside this colourful showcase of individual triumphs and struggles is a welcome and an invitation. You are welcomed into a sacred realm of stories that speak to the queer performers' lived experiences as they meet at crossroads. 

We invite you to witness, hear and hold these intimate tales with love and care – perhaps even seeing your own story within theirs.

Performing to rave reviews at this year’s Kia Mau Festival in Wellington and winners of multiple NZ Fringe awards including ‘Best in Fringe’ at the 2023 NZ Fringe Festival, this cutting-edge, energetic and relevant show is an unmissable performance.

Presented by:
Wellington Ballroom and NZ Fringe Festival

Cast: 
KARAMERA - Carym Wharerau - Co-Director/Performer
ROMÉ - Jerome McLean-Burton - Co-Director/Performer
HIBISCUS - Hibiscus Tupua-Wilson - Performer
EDDSTAR - Eddstar Tupolo - Performer
LUCHI - Luchiano Edwards-Tuioti - Performer
MINA - Mina Ruaporo - Performer
LAZARUS - Htoo Paw Thin - Performer 

KIWI - Kiwi Rameka - Performer
MANFRED - Manfred Manglicmot - Performer
TE HĀMAMA - Te Hāmama Hohua - Performer

Creative Team: 
Kaysee Savali - Tour Manager
Hakopa Kuka-Larsen - Sound Designer 
Isadora Lao - Lighting Designer/Operator

Sponsors: 
CNZ Pasifika and New Zealand Fringe Festival 

Supported by: 
Le Moana Arts and Vain Creative

Audience warnings: 
Contains offensive language, sexual content, content that may be triggering for some people, haze and strobe.

  • 11 - 12 October 2025
    Comedy

    Ranggheli: The Bhavai Saga. . .

    Celebrate Diwali in the city with Ranggheli: The Bhavai Saga — 75 minutes of colourful Gujarati folk theatre, music, and laughter, plus food and festivities for a perfect night out.
  • 16 - 18 October 2025
    Theatre

    Big Time

    There’s nothing better than watching your best friend live their dream—unless it happens to be your dream, too.
  • 19 October 2025
    Theatre

    2025 Keys for Cure Charity Concert

    Now in its annual season, Keys for Cure brings together over 100 young musicians – including talented pianists, string players, and dancers – from across New Zealand.

  • 21 October 2025 - 8 November 2025
    Comedy

    Captain Morrow and the Sands of Time

    This rip roaring comedy epic, directed by Barnie Duncan, comes to Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time. Two actors, one musician, 40+ characters, and 60 minutes.