#ShakespeareLives in Aotearoa

from the British Council NZ ezine:

 

#ShakespeareLives in Aotearoa The British Council’s focus on Shakespeare continues, as the one-hander work Solothello embarks on the final leg of its NZ tour. Maori Performance Mask (Te Mata Kokako o Rēhia) comes to life as writer and actor Regan Taylor unfolds an adaptation of the Shakespeare’s Othello. Set in pre-colonial NZ, Solothello weaves together the original prose, modern English and Te Reo Māori to deliver a dynamic and cheeky interpretation of one of history’s more tragic plays. Regan Taylor’s desire to use Maori performance masks was influenced by Marae visits, and wondering what the carvings would do if they could come off the walls and tell stories. But as the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death approached, he saw adapting and performing the bard’s work as the ultimate challenge. And as if betrayal, racism, love jealousy and personal crisis are not enough, Taylor adds bucket loads of humour through improvisation and interaction with the audience. Directed by Craig Geenty, the work launched at Circa Theatre in June, and has gone on to tour North Island Marae. It will be performed at the Hawkes Bay Arts Festival on October 12 and 13, the Nelson Arts Festival in October and at a Shakespeare Conference later this year. For more information please contact Terehiatheatre@gmail.com