When a taniwha is disturbed by construction in a small Aotearoa town, Mereana and her friends must rally to protect it. With strange mushrooms, shadowy developers, and ancient forces at play, saving their world will take courage, creativity, and heart.
Silo Theatre’s Taniwha is a joyful, imaginative production that brings Aotearoa storytelling to life in a format that is as inventive as it is heartfelt. Designed for tamariki but offering wonder for all ages, the show blends theatre, puppetry, live filmmaking, and music into a vibrant, cinematic stage event that celebrates kaitiakitanga (guardianship), friendship, and standing up for the whenua (land).
At the centre of Taniwha is Mereana, a plucky and determined young girl who discovers that a local taniwha—a guardian creature from Māori tradition—has been disturbed by ongoing construction work near her home. With her tight-knit group of friends, she takes it upon herself to protect the taniwha’s habitat. As oversized blue mushrooms sprout from unexpected places and mysterious men in suits lurk nearby, it’s clear that Mereana and her team are up against more than just diggers and deadlines. What unfolds is a high-spirited, environmentally conscious tale, told with humour, imagination, and just enough edge to keep things exciting.
The story unfolds as a live film being made in real time on stage, using cameras, sets, puppets, and clever transitions. Two camera stations operate side-by-side, enabling one scene to be built while another is performed and filmed. This allows seamless transitions between sequences, all of which are projected above the stage as a finished “movie” the audience watches come together before their eyes. It’s a feat of creativity and coordination that never fails to impress. Behind the scenes (yet right in front of us), a team of three manipulate props, sets, and characters while a live band and a warm, clear narrator guide the experience with music and storytelling.
Composer Leon Radojkovic—well known in Aotearoa’s music and theatre scenes—provides a lively and charming score that evokes the classic adventure films of the 80s and 90s, with a nod to the whimsical energy of Studio Ghibli. Live musicians incorporate natural elements, such as tree fronds, to add layers of organic sound to the performance. The effect is subtle and textured, grounding the story in its uniquely New Zealand context while also making the music feel alive and evolving in the moment.
The puppetry itself is something to behold. While previous Silo productions such as Peter and the Wolf used three-dimensional puppets, Taniwha ventures into new territory. This show features two-dimensional cardboard characters, enhanced with movable parts for expressive gestures—hands, arms, eyes and all. Designed and operated under the expertise of master puppeteer Jon Coddington, these flat puppets come to life within sets crafted from a blend of cardboard, crochet, and carefully designed digital backdrops. The result is a handcrafted world that manages to convey rich depth and movement, using techniques such as layered backgrounds, transparent materials, and strategic lighting.
Much of the wonder of Taniwha lies in the visible process of its creation. Set and lighting designers Rachel Marlow, Daniel Williams, Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, and a skilled creative team—including Tristan Bloemstein, Kate Burton, Minsoh Choi, Zoe Cully, Jane Hakaraia, Maddy Powell, Talia Pua, and others—have brought together tactile materials and hand-built artistry to produce an entire visual universe. The crew’s coordination is nothing short of astounding, with multiple scenes, props, lighting shifts, and camera cues happening in real time, often simultaneously. Watching this unfold live is as captivating as the story itself.
It is also heartening to see the level of detail and care in every aspect of production. Lighting and colour are used to great effect, giving the flat puppets dimension and emotion. Scene changes are impressively smooth. Occasionally, something goes slightly awry—perhaps a hand appears in frame, a puppet misses its mark, or the narration stumbles briefly—but these tiny missteps only add to the charm. They remind the audience that what they are seeing is entirely live and unedited, a bold act of theatre craftsmanship.
The narrative is accessible and wholesome, filled with themes of environmental protection, community action, and imaginative bravery. Though it’s clearly aimed at younger audiences—recommended for ages five and up—it never talks down to them. Instead, it invites them into a world where their ideas and voices matter. The story reinforces the idea that even young people can take a stand for what they believe in and make a difference.
Director Sophie Roberts brings a clear vision to this production, balancing technical complexity with emotional warmth. While the action is non-stop and the staging is intricate, there’s always space for character moments and small details. Mereana and her friends are each given time to shine, and their personalities are brought to life with endearing animation and voice work.
Beyond the performance itself, Silo Theatre extends the magic by offering take-home puppet kits to young audience members. This thoughtful gesture invites tamariki to continue their creative play beyond the theatre, extending the themes of imagination and storytelling into their own lives. It’s a meaningful way to deepen engagement and encourage the next generation of storytellers and artists.
Taniwha is a remarkable achievement in live theatre. It combines artistic innovation with cultural storytelling in a way that feels fresh, fun, and deeply rooted in the Aotearoa experience. Whether you're a child discovering live theatre for the first time or an adult marvelling at the skill behind it all, there is much to enjoy and appreciate. The show is vibrant, inclusive, and entirely original—a modern fable that celebrates creativity, community, and care for the environment.
In a time when many productions rely on screens and post-production to bring stories to life, Taniwha reminds us of the power of live, handmade theatre. It is a testament to what can be achieved when talented artists, designers, and storytellers come together with a shared purpose: to create something magical, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Taniwha is being performed at The Herald Theatre from 26 Jun – 13 Jul
Suitable for anyone aged 5 and up.
Tickets can be purchased here
Duration: 55 mins approx.