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.

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