“Mana Wahine is above all a rich fusion of choreography, music, tikanga Maori [the Maori way]”

 —Theatreview

ITAS welcome the debut of this stunning company from New Zealand. Okareka’s Mana Wahine [Powerful Women] bursts upon the stage in a multi-media collage of powerful imagery and dance. Inspired by the historic true story of a young Maori heroine, as well as by women’s stories from the dancers’ families, this work incorporates bold projections, chant, original music, traditional implements, historical motifs and costuming that draws from Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) cultural.

Choreographers Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal and Malia Johnston, inspired and guided by Maori elder Tui Matira Ranapiri-Ransfield, have created an enduring work that transcends cultures as it celebrates the power of women. Mana Wahine is an awe-inspiring 70 min, multi-media performance that celebrates the essence of life’s journeys and creates a vision of strength that empowers woman around the world.