Witness what happens when some of Aotearoa’s top performing artists collaborate with an ensemble of young storytellers from youth organisation Ngā Rangatahi Toa. Real, moving, and an absolute must-see.
Ngā Rangatahi Toa is an acclaimed youth organisation that uses creativity to foster well-being in young people. Manawa Ora is their flagship annual project, which they have staged every year since 2009 to sold-out audiences.
Devised from scratch in the week before the season, the show is a raw, honest and empowering retelling of the experiences of an ensemble of rangatahi from all over Tāmaki. Guided by some of Aotearoa’s top performing artists, the rangatahi command the stage through dance, song, rap, drama and more.
This year sees the cast of Manawa Ora exploring the concept of ‘Te Hīhiri’ which points to the idea of a ‘spark’ igniting and empowering change and action. Unfolding out of wānanga the rangatahi took part in over the last two years, this concept is now deeply embedded in Ngā Rangatahi Toa’s overall kaupapa.
With 2022 marking the first year that Manawa Ora will be staged at Q Theatre, the rangatahi are excited by the new challenges this space will bring. If you’ve been looking for a show to be deeply moved by, this is it. Nau mai haere mai! Come and support the youth of today.
“This is a work that demands those on both sides of the stage to take responsibility. If you haven’t already, go along and make sure you take someone with you. More people need to say YES, to supporting young people telling their stories; to taking the theatre of our lives from the streets to the stage; to holding hands and widening the circle. More people need to see work like this.”- Dione Joseph, Theatreview
No ticketing fees: In conjunction with Ngā Rangatahi Toa, Q Theatre have extended their support for this work by removing ticketing fees for bookings made to this performance. This includes the removal of online and phone booking charges. However, a credit card surcharge will still apply if you choose to pay with this method.
Audience Warnings/Notes: The nature of strong themes that underpin the stories are swearing, self-harm, domestic violence, gangs and inequities. However, what you are presented with is a flip of the script to come from a place of power.
Sponsors:
Creative New Zealand Foundation North
Perpetual Guardian Ministry of Culture and Heritage
Clyde Graham Charitable Trust One Percent Collective
Frozen Funds
Hāngi Master Antipodes The Fed
Ripe Deli
Allpress Espresso
James Cook High School
Sky City
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