Ruaumoko

In a nutshell:
Earthquakes of an artistic kind / Youthful exuberance / Māori deities given new forms

Composer: Gareth Farr
Artistic director and choreographer: Moss Patterson
Soundscape artist: Paddy Free

A story for our time, Ruaumoko follows heroine Hine Ariki, a turehu (fairy) who sets out on a quest to calm the rumblings of Ruaumoko, god of the earthquakes. Something has disturbed the peace and caused the earth to shift.  Hine Ariki draws on the winds, the rain, mythical creatures and her inner-strength to restore the balance and fulfill her mission.

Bringing 100 new, young performers together with professional mentors, Ruaumoko is a magical collaboration that showcases the energies and creative potential of Auckland youth; it’s metamorphosis on a mass-scale. Joining forces with Atamira Dance Company and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, these fledgling dancers aged 5 to 25 from all across Auckland transform themselves into the enchanting characters of this newly imagined Māori myth.

Arts Laureate Gareth Farr’s earth-shattering composition, Paddy Free’s spacious sound design, Moss Patterson’s choreography and kapa haka form the bedrock for this beautifully rendered dance work.  

A collaboration between Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Atamira Dance Company, presented in association with Auckland Arts Festival.

Post Show Talk: Saturday 12 March