Okareka Dance Company presents the world premiere season of Mana Wahine.
An all-female contemporary dance performance, Mana Wahine explores the essence of strength, power, integrity and beauty within women – a commanding work that will uplift the spiritual power and status of ‘the woman’ within us all.
World of WearableArt (WOW) artistic director Malia Johnston joins Okareka Dance Company’s artistic directors Taiaroa Royal and Taane Mete to choreograph this powerful new work personifying the strength of women.
Finding its heart in Maori legends and stories, Mana Wahine draws inspiration from the true story of Te Aokapurangi, a young maiden from Rotorua who was captured during battle and taken to live in the far North. Years later she returned to her home and single-handedly saved her people from slaughter.
The courage, determination and fearlessness showed by Te Aokapurangi fuels the choreographic style explored in this exciting new work melding dance, waiata, haka, chant and mesmerising imagery. Performers featuring in the work include Bianca Hyslop, Maria Munkowits, Nancy Wijohn, Chrissy Kokiri and Jana Castillo.
Mana Wahine is touring New Zealand as part of the 2014 Matariki Festivals.