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Brydie Colquhoun's Rongo Whakapā Decolonises The Performance Space

Rongo Whakapā is the debut choreographic work by one of Aotearoa's most captivating Māori contemporary dance artists Brydie Colquhoun (Ngāpuhi) on from Fri 11 – Sun 13 July at Te Pou Theatre. Presented by Atamira Dance Company this bold and intimate new work invites audiences into a circular, non-traditional space to experience performance in 360 degrees—free to move, enter, and exit the environment as they choose. With five performances only and limited audience capacity Rongo Whakapā explores themes of connection, presence, and the tension between individualism and collective community. It asks us to slow down and consider new - and perhaps old - ways of gathering and witnessing. Meaning 'sense of touch,' Rongo Whakapā responds to a contemporary world marked by increasing disconnection. This 70-minute work invites people to tune in and be fully present as they share space with six dancers who build an ever-shifting environment through movement in a decolonised performance space. Choreographer Brydie Colquhoun draws on her extensive embodied knowledge of contact improvisation, durational movement, and score-based practices, supported with sound design by Eden Mulholland and spatial design by Rowan Pierce. Building the foundational shape of this work are conversations, interviews, and wānanga with Mātanga Mātauranga Māori, whānau, colleagues, and friends around intimacy and connection in our contemporary lives. 'Brydie moves through the world with care, integrity, and intention. Rongo Whakapā is a beautiful unfolding of her journey—an offering of presence, intimacy, and reconnection. This work holds us gently while asking powerful questions about how we gather, how we touch, and how we listen.' — Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa), Kaihautū, Atamira Dance Company PERFORMANCE DETAILS RONGO WHAKAPĀ Choreographed by Brydie Colquhoun Te Pou Theatre Fri 11 July – 7.30pm Sat 12 July – 4.00pm & 7.30pm Sun 13 July – 2.00pm & 5.00pm Duration: 70 minutes (no interval) Tickets: CREATIVE TEAM Kaitito Nekehanga | Choreographer: Brydie Colquhoun (Ngāpuhi) Dance Artists: Abbie Rogers (Kāi Tahu, Te Arawa), Sean MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Tūwharetoa, Rangitāne), Caleb Heke (Ngāpuhi), Jeremy Beck (Kāi Tahu), Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Rangitāne), Tai Taranui Hemana (Te Arawa) Kaihoahoa/Set & Lighting Designer: Rowan Pierce Kaitito | Sound Designer: Eden Mulholland (Ngāti Porou) Advisors: Tūī Mātira Ranapiri-Ransfield, Mokonui-a-rangi Smith, Miriama McDowell Kaihautū: Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa) Kaiwhakaputa Auaha: Marama Lloydd (Ngāpuhi, Te Tahawai, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu) Kaiwhakahaere: Ashley David Kaiwhakahaere Tairanga, Kaiwhakahaere Ako: Abbie Rogers Atamira Dance Company is a leading force in Māori contemporary dance, fostering artistic excellence, nurturing talent, and creating transformative experiences that resonate globally. It uplifts, inspires, leads, and celebrates the richness of te ao Māori through performances, collaborations, and advocacy, honouring mātauranga Māori through storytelling that connects celestial wisdom with earthly expression.