May 14, 2013
Play tackles child killing
The writer of a play opening tonight in Auckland hopes it will help people talk about how to tackle violence against children.
Renae Maihi says the inspiration for writing ‘Patua’ came from her memories of the controversy over the death of Delcelia Witika, an Auckland toddler killed by her mother and mother’s boyfriend.
It is set in a hospital where an extended family gathers as a two-year-old girl fights for her life after a savage beating.
Maihi says it’s a societal problem Māori have to confront.
"It’s not a Māori issue, it's a poverty issue. However, we are represented highly in the stats and I believe change can only come from the inside so I believe we have to look at how we as a community can look at the issue and try to make some changes within ourselves and support each other to do that," she says.
Patua won the Adam Theatre Award for best play by a Māori playwright.
It is at Tapac in Western Springs until May 26.
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