Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre

CELEBRATE MAORI ART AND CULTURE

The Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New England

Saturday, May 31—Sunday, June 1

11 am - 4 pm

All programs are included with museum admission

WHERE:  

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

161 Essex St.

Salem, Mass.  01970

INFO:  pem.org/events/calendar.php?m=05&d=31&y=2008

978-745-9500

The Peabody Essex Museum welcomes the Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand, the only professional dance company comprised of indigenous New Zealanders touring North America. This weekend's performances, workshops and demonstrations provide a glimpse into the history and fabric of Maori life - chants that trace family history back to the beginning of time; martial arts techniques that span generations; powerful songs with a forcefulness that springs from cultural pride and personal conviction. The Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand performers have a contagious energy that engrosses the audience while sharing a wealth of exciting cultural and tribal knowledge to foster a greater understanding of a very unique culture. All presentations include narrations and are suitable for audiences of all ages.

All programs repeat on Sunday, June 1, 2008 except for workshops, please see below.

GALLERY TALK with Ataahua Papa: Body Politics, Maori Tattoo Today and Oceanic Gallery
11 am | Reservations requested by Thursday, May 29. Please call 978-745-9500, ext 3011
Ataahua Papa of the Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand leads a tour in the galleries, discusses various objects on display and provides insight from the indigenous perspective.

DROP-IN ART ACTIVITIES: Taonga | For all ages
12 – 3 pm | Atrium
Celebrate the artistry and innovation of creating individual Taongas (similar to charms) with members of the Kahurangi troupe as they share this artistic tradition.

STORYTELLING| For kids and families
Noon – 1:30 | Oceanic Gallery, 2nd floor
Members of Kahurangi lead children of all ages with storytelling in the galleries using movement and sound. Play Maori hand games and learn Maori songs.

FILM | Skin Stories: The Art and Culture of Polynesian Tattoo
2 pm | Morse Auditorium
Skin Stories is an anthology of stories and stunning images, from the steaming landscape of Rotorua in New Zealand to the vibrant gathering of the first international tattoo convention in Apia, Samoa, from the lush taro fields of Maui to the golden beaches of O’ahu and California. The legacy of Polynesian tattoo began over 2,000 years ago and is as diverse as the people who wear them. Despite the encroachment of Christian religious beliefs that vilified tattooing as unholy, many Polynesian tattoo artists maintained their vital link to their culture’s history by preserving this unique craft for generations. 2003, 60 minutes; directed by Lisa Altieri, Emiko Omori and Karin Williams.

PERFORMANCE: Taonga – Treasures
3:15 pm | Atrium
Taonga, or treasures, highlights the different aspects of life that Maori people regard as precious, sacred, and prized. These treasures include the tangible – pounamu (greenstone/jade) that is found in one river and used for jewelry & making tools; carved pendants and earrings using natural materials; traditional clothing made from flax & bird feathers; and the intangible– geographic landmarks that are in a tribal area; tribal affiliations; genealogy links; the Maori language. Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand share taonga stories through a vivid repertoire of tribal music and dance. Weaving hand-crafted regalia and brandishing taiaha (Maori weaponry), the young men perform war dances while female dancers gracefully twirl poi (a ball on the end of string that depicts a bird in flight) in intricate patterns.

WORKSHOPS

Maori Song and Dance
Saturday, May 31, 2008
1 pm | East India Marine Hall
Sing Maori songs and learn sign language that Maori use to accompany the songs. Then, learn how to use titi torea (short rhythmic sticks).

Poi
Sunday, June 1, 2008
1 pm | East India Marine Hall
Make poi (soft rhythm balls on strings) and learn how to use them.

These programs are made possible with support from the Lowell Institute.