Te Tangi a Te Tūī | Maori cirque theatre work

A stunning Maori cirque theatre work performed in Te Reo Maori, telling the allegorical story of Aotahi and her son Piri as they navigate powerful supernatural beings representing the colonial forces that displaced their people. The production is a collaboration between Te Rehia Theatre and The Dust Palace circus company, combining aerial acrobatics, physical theatre, and Indigenous storytelling in an immersive and visually striking performance. Tickets are available through the NAC website and the run spans four evenings from Thursday June 4 through Sunday June 7. The Azrieli Studio at the NAC is an intimate black-box-style space at 1 Elgin Street in downtown Ottawa. This production is recommended for general adult audiences and older youth interested in world theatre and circus arts.

Set in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Te Tangi a Te Tūī follows Aotahi, a woman living peacefully on her ancestral land near a mysterious forest inhabited by supernatural beings. After the birth of her son Piri, the first male born into their family for generations, an ancient curse is awakened. As Piri grows older, two powerful forces begin fighting for control over his future: Te Pua o Te Reinga, a grieving Patupaiarehe seeking to resurrect her lost lover through Piri, and Kōiriiri, the cursed Bird Man determined to escape his torment by making Piri take his place.

Blending mythology, family legacy, and themes tied to the lasting impacts of colonization, this visually striking cirque theatre production explores love, identity, language, and generational struggle. Performed entirely in Te Reo Māori, Te Tangi a Te Tūī delivers an immersive and emotionally powerful theatrical experience from Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Event details can change, so verify with the organizer before attending.