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The Whale Rider

by Witi Ihimaera

 

Adapted for the stage by Tim Bray

Created for Ages: 5 – 10
Show Run Time: 50 mins

 

24 Sep – 12 Nov 2022

Performed at Capital E Festival in Wellington in 2017 and at the IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) World Congress in 2016

This show has passed and tickets are no longer available.

Find out what’s on next at the Tim Bray Theatre Company.

A modern classic of Aotearoa 

We were thrilled to bring Witi Ihimaera’s classic story The Whale Rider back to the stage in a children’s theatre show unmatched. This beautifully rich story of whānau and tikanga is masterfully translated into a live performance that absorbed the viewer, from start to end. A poignant tale of forging paths and self-belief – this is the show all children need to see.

Destined to become leader of her tribe, no matter how hard she tries to show her worth, Kahu’s koro (grandfather) won’t accept that a kōtiro (girl) can take over his role of chief. But a rescue of the ancient whale beached in the Whāngārā Harbour, changes things.

Review:The Whale Rider is visualised and physicalised storytelling at its finest. The audience – young and old – were completely captivated throughout. There were hoots of belly laughs at the witty realistic dialogue between “the boys”, and at the very humorous “surfing combi van” rumbling its way to Whāngārā Beach. What the audience can expect is a supremely delivered production – energetic, moving, and skilfully told. Tickets are reasonably priced.” Glenda Pearce, Broadway World 25 Sept, 2022

The Whale Rider is visualised and physicalised storytelling at its finest. The audience – young and old – were completely captivated throughout. There were hoots of belly laughs at the witty realistic dialogue between “the boys”, and at the very humorous “surfing combi van” rumbling its way to Whāngārā Beach. What the audience can expect is a supremely delivered production – energetic, moving, and skilfully told. Tickets are reasonably priced.”

Glenda Pearce, Broadway World 25 Sept, 2022 

+ “The kids were enthralled. The girls were empowered and the boys were moved. A beautifully generous offering to the intelligence and soul of our children!”

Tamati Patuwai from Mad Ave Studios as Kaitakawaenga (Māori Advisor) to The Whale Rider (2014)

+ “Poignant, thought-provoking and important”

Jo Hodgson, Theatreview

+ “Tim’s proposal is ingenious and accessible to children. I am confident that the outcome will be a production that will captivate its young audiences and, especially, inspire them to always keep looking forward with optimism to their own futures as adults in a challenging world. The whales are magically represented by small and large scale framed puppets made by Becky Ehlers and the actors capture the beauty of these majestic creatures through their movements and the vocalisations are both mesmerising and heart-breaking. 

Author, Witi Ihimaera

+ “It is a beautiful and gently told tale, adapted for the stage from the 2005 picture-book version of the original 1987 novel and directed by the sure, tender hand of Mr Bray himself.  Bearing the company’s trademark stamp of ingenuity,The Whale Riderwill charm children and adults alike, at least all who share its palpable regard for humanity, its compassion and its preference to at least try to be with nature instead of defying it….

…The Whale Rider is a modern classic”

Nik Smythe, Theatreview 

+ “Thank you very much for the amazing opportunity to watch your amazing show “The Whale Rider” show. That was amazing. My favourite part was when it looked like the deep blue sea and also when the whales came out. Hopefully I get to come and watch one of your shows next time”.

Maya, Room 13, Clendon Park School, Manurewa – Gift a Seat recipients

 

By arrangement with Playmarket.org.nz
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