Directed by Leo Gene Peter

7.30pm

New Zealand Maori theatre company Taki Rua tell the stories of the Maori Battalion in Italy during World War II. While far from home, these soldiers discovered unique cultural connections with the Italians, particularly in kai (food), waiata (song) and whanau (family), not to mention cunning, thievery, vino and women.

Performed in English, Maori and Italian, Strange Resting Places weaves fiction with history through story, song and numerous hilarious and moving characters. Every performance is followed by a whakawatea.

'A spellbinding little gem of a show that will have you laughing a lot and crying just a little'

New Zealand Herald

Pre-show talks:
Maori Voices – A Panel Discussion
8 May, 6.15pm. Tickets £3.

James Ashcroft James Ashcroft, Tumuaki (Artistic Director) of Taki Rua, discusses contemporary Maori theatre and culture with indigenous New Zealanders now living in London.
Click here to book now.

Identity: Ethnic or Cultural? – A Panel Discussion
9 May, 5.30pm. Tickets £3.

Daniel David Moses A discussion of what constitutes a First Nations identity, with Daniel David Moses, Yvette Nolan (Artistic Director – Native Earth) James Ashcroft (Tumuaki - Artistic Director - Taki Rua) and others tbc.
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Part of Origins: Festival of First Nations originsfestival.com