What began as an experience in biculturalism between Māori and Pākehā grew into Taki Rua Theatre, the unofficial national Māori theatre company. As we tour the motu with the latest ensemble of young artists, we witness the deeply personal and politically visionary story of the 30-year struggle to create a truly bicultural force, and the wāhine toa who agitated for change.
The documentary Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers, directed by Whetū Fala, provides a compelling exploration of New Zealand’s journey towards bicultural identity through the lens of one of its most significant artistic institutions. With a script written by Fala, and contributions from Consulting Director Christina Asher, the film is an homage to the individuals and ideas that have shaped Taki Rua into a beacon of Māori cultural expression and resilience.
Emerging in the wake of the 1981 Springbok tour, a moment that catalysed national introspection, a group of liberal-minded Pākehā artists took over an unused theatre space in downtown Wellington. Originally known as The New Depot, the theatre sought to tell New Zealand stories for New Zealand audiences, reflecting the cultural shifts of the time. However, it soon became clear to the founders that to truly represent the nation’s identity, a deeper partnership with Māori communities was essential.
This evolution led to the rebranding of the theatre as Taki Rua, symbolising a shift towards inclusivity and biculturalism. While the change alienated some conservative Pākehā audiences, it opened the door to a more progressive and supportive community. This was a defining moment for the theatre, allowing it to grow into an institution that not only showcased Māori stories but also nurtured Māori talent.
Director Whetū Fala brings together voices from across Taki Rua’s 40-year history—actors, playwrights, producers, directors, and te reo Māori advocates—to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the theatre’s journey. These narratives are woven with archival footage and excerpts from iconic Taki Rua productions such as Te Hokina, Purapurawhetū, Whatungarongaro, and Ngā Tangata Toa. These works, which once shocked audiences with their raw social commentary, are now celebrated as milestones of artistic expression.
Through these interviews and performances, the documentary reveals how Taki Rua’s struggles with financial instability, creative disputes, and political pressures mirror Aotearoa’s own journey toward recognising and celebrating its bicultural heritage. The film’s emotional depth lies in its ability to connect the theatre’s internal conflicts with the broader societal challenges faced by Māori, including the loss of language, cultural repression, and the ongoing fight for self-determination.
At its heart, Taki Rua represents more than a theatre—it is a movement to restore pride and strength to Māori culture. As the documentary highlights, Taki Rua has been instrumental in inspiring younger generations to embrace their heritage. By integrating fluent te reo Māori speakers as consultants and educators, the theatre not only preserves traditional stories but also empowers new creators to craft original narratives. Productions like Te Kuia Me Te Pūngāwerewere, a joyous te reo Māori play for children, demonstrate Taki Rua’s commitment to nurturing Māori voices and connecting them with wider audiences.
The film also delves into the personal sacrifices and collective resilience required to sustain the theatre through adversity. The loss of government funding, for instance, was a devastating blow, yet the unwavering dedication of the Taki Rua whānau ensured its survival. This narrative of perseverance resonates deeply in a time when Māori continue to assert their identity and rights in the face of systemic challenges.
The documentary’s release is both timely and necessary. As Aotearoa grapples with its colonial legacy, Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the arts. The film celebrates Taki Rua as a stepping stone for Māori self-expression, allowing the community to thrive independently while fostering understanding and collaboration between Māori and Pākehā.
Whetū Fala’s direction captures the passion and love of those who have dedicated their lives to Taki Rua, juxtaposed with moments of loss and hardship. The interviews and archival footage are masterfully edited by Siobhan Houkamau, and the cinematography by Fred Renata, Matt Henley, and Richard Bluck brings a striking visual clarity to the stories. Executive Producers Gaylene Preston and Reikura Kahi provide the film with an authoritative perspective, ensuring its resonance with both Māori and non-Māori audiences.
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Taki Rua’s impact extends far beyond the stage. By nurturing Māori artists and enabling them to find their place in global and mainstream media, the theatre has contributed significantly to New Zealand’s cultural landscape. It has also shown that true biculturalism is not about compromise but about partnership and mutual respect.
Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers reminds us of the importance of taking risks and breaking barriers. It’s hard to imagine New Zealand’s theatre scene today without the stories of Taki Rua, stories that have shaped not just the stage but the nation itself. For anyone interested in the intersections of art, culture, and identity, this documentary is an unmissable tribute to the power of storytelling in forging a shared future.
Whetū Fala’s documentary is a celebration of courage, creativity, and community. It chronicles not just the history of a theatre but the evolution of a nation striving to reconcile its past and embrace its dual heritage. Through its compelling narrative, Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers reminds us that cultural revival is a continuous journey—one that requires resilience, vision, and above all, unity.
Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers will be released in cinemas on November 28, 2024