Performers in Kopu: From top left Ngākirikiri Kershaw, Tuakoi Ohia, Brady Peeti, Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, Te Arohanui Korewha, Jane Leonard. Photo: Supplied
A show developed as a response to the debate over women speaking on the marae is set to premiere in West Auckland.
Seven wāhine Māori actors have joined forces to create and produce the show, Kōpū, which is directed by Amber Curreen (Ngāpuhi), and is described as a celebration of mana wahine.
Kōpū was developed in response to then National leader Judith Collins' criticism of women not being able to speak on the marae.
The debate was sparked at Waitangi Day in 2021 after then prime minister Jacinda Ardern was the only female political leader afforded a speaking slot.
Curreen and writers Tuakoi Ohia and Tainui Tukiwaho wrote the show after what they felt was biased media coverage, which they said privileged the voice of Pākehā over Māori women.
Curreen said Kōpū paid tribute to all wāhine Māori, the nannies, the mothers and the aunties.
"Kōpū has become a no holds barred celebration of wāhinetanga (womanhood). I'm excited to direct six talented creatives and present the faces of wāhine who we rarely see on stage," she said.
Producer Maioha Allen (Ngāti Apakura, Waikato Maniapoto) said it was inspiration to work alongside many Māori creatives, including performers Jane Leonard, Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, Brady Peeti, Te Arohanui Korewha, and Ngākirikiri Kershaw.
"It's quite inspirational to know that this theatre is made up of... all our whānau me kī," Allen said. "If anything when we come into this space it doesn't even feel like work, because of how the kaupapa ties us all together."
The energy among the cast and crew was high heading into the premier, Allen said.
"We're pretty excited, pretty nervous and you know... if we don't have nerves then jeez I don't think we are in the right business.
"Come and check it out e te whānau, if you're wanting to see something naughty, something funny, something sassy, something musical."
Kōpū will run until 14 May at Te Pou Theatre in West Auckland.
