March 16, 2021
Okareka dance turned to film for missing audience
The pandemic has played havoc with live performances, but the Okareka Dance Company is trying to keep its audience engaged by releasing a film of one of its productions for on-demand viewing.
Choreographer Taiaroa Royal says it's a way to keep in contact with the international audience.
Mana Wahine was composed in 2014 as a celebration of Māori women, drawing on the story of Te Aokapurangi, who saved her Te Arawa people from slaughter after being captured in battle.
Filming the Q Theatre production in January this year was a change to focus on the five women who danced the work.
"They might be doing pukana or showing a really emotive feeling during part of the work and I ask (the camera) to zoom in so the viewer can feel the energy of the dancers," he says.
Mana Wahine will be available worldwide through Vimeo's rent-for-view platform.
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