Produced by Te Rēhia Theatre Company
Directed by Tainui Tukiwaho (The Catch, Step Dave, Billy T James, The Almighty Johnsons)
Written by: Chris Rex Martin and Tainui Tukiwaho
Circa Two
15 – 17 June
14 June Preview
Wed – Sat 7.30pm
All tickets $25
Preview price $20
Duration: Approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes
Please note: this show contains coarse language.
Larger than Life was Ngaruawahia’s third-best children’s novelty act back in the 70’s and 80’s. Now they’re all grown up and ready for a comeback.
Travel back in time to small town Aotearoa, and join three hupe nosed brothers, Te-Whakakotahitanga-o-Ngā-iwi-o-Te-Motu Boy-George Jackson, Te-Rua-Wairere-o-Ranginui-Kia-Papatuanuku Presley Jackson and Tuahangata Liberace Jackson, as they land the opportunity of a lifetime – opening for the legendary John Rowles in Wellington. All they have to do is get there and not screw it up! Come along as the boys take you on an adventure of epic proportions as they meet famous faces, Kiwi icons, wacky New Zealand characters and ultimately …. screw it all up.
From the makers of SolOthello and Hoki Mai Tama Mā, this nostalgic and hilarious play will transport you back to the golden days of Māori showbands and includes music from and inspired by Prince Tui Teka, the Topp Twins, Tim Finn, and of course … John Rowles.
REVIEW:
On the Road Again – Theatreview
RELATED ARTICLES:
A blast from the past – LARGER THAN LIFE – Circa blog
Larger Than Life: a look back at rural New Zealand through Maori eyes – The Dominion Post
A play that reminds of the long summers, the Goodnight Kiwi and all things retro – Western Leader
About Te Rēhia
Te Rēhia Theatre, named in honour of the Atua of leisure and games was established in 2012 by Tainui Tukiwaho, Regan Taylor and Kayne Peters. The company is currently headed by experienced theatre practitioners Regan Taylor and Amber Curreen and based at Te Pou – The Auckland home of Māori Theatre, in New Lynn, Auckland, NZ.
They are passionate about showcasing Māori stories and storytellers to Aotearoa and the world. Te Rēhia is excited by interesting stories that can be told in innovative theatre. Some of the works they have developed and toured throughout NZ include “Te Awarua” (2011 – 2013) by Albert Belz, “Hoki Mai Tama Mā” by Tainui Tukiwaho (2014), “SolOthello” (2015 & 2016) and the annual regional Tours of “Ruia Te Kākano”(2011 – 2016).
They are an independent theatre company and appreciate the support they receive for their projects from Creative New Zealand, Mā Te Reo and Auckland Regional Council.
Ngā mihi nui!
Te Whanau o Te Rēhia