Seen as a hero and a trickster, Māui was a demi-god whose adventures have been told and retold for hundreds of years. Steeped in the culture of the Pacific, his acts of bravery and remarkable life form the inspiration behind MĀUI at the Sydney Opera House.
Brought to life by the New Zealand dance collective Fresh Movement, this remarkable retelling of the life and tales of Māui brings together contemporary and traditional Pacific dance forms, hip-hop, haka and combines it with theatre, live music, singing, spoken word and animated projections.
The performance begins with the story of migration across the Pacific before delving into seven chapters, each depicting the life and adventures of Māui. The seven chapters encapsulate stories of Love, Resilience, Joyful, Prophet, Powerful, Defeated and Eternal and these stories are elaborately portrayed though movement and music.
The stunning animated projections by Harley Campbell embody the tradition of storytelling, while the 30 incredible performers re-imagine these legends through a contemporary lens.
Choreographed by Hadleigh Pouesi and Christopher Ofanoa, I have rarely seen a group of performers appear so elated on stage. The genuine joy and emotion pulsating from the stage was mesmerising and infectious, as members of the audience reflected these feelings back.
Watching MĀUI was like being welcomed into a family, a culture and a tradition of storytelling that is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. The trauma of treaty and forced assimilation are never far behind and these ever present issues were confronted in a way that was moving and thought provoking.
The narration which accompanied the animation was, at times, difficult to hear, with the volume probably a little too loud, but this did not detract from the story being told. The dancers ability to move in unison demonstrated a high degree of skill and a connection to each other that was obvious. The vocal performances were flawless and having the audience enter the room to the sound of these incredible voices was a perfect way to start the show.
As people were taking their seats, the low hum of friendly and familiar chatter filling the space, three men began to sing on stage. The room is captivated. At the songs conclusion, one of the men says to the eager crowd, “[MĀUI] is not a show you watch, it’s a show we share”.
Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
MĀUI will perform at the Sydney Opera House until 31 August 2024. For more information and to book tickets head to the Sydney Opera House website.
Reviewer attended on 29 August 2024.
Photos: Daniel Boud
