Mount Maunganui College is preparing for the production, ‘Mauao always beside you’, which will be held on June 26-27 at Baycourt. The show, managed by Wayne Flanagan, involves 75 students who have been practicing for eight weeks. The production showcases the culture and history of Mount Maunganui through dance, song, traditional Maori dance (haka), and drama.
Unlike typical school productions, ‘Mauao always beside you’ includes students from four different departments – Maori, dance, drama, and music. The school received a grant from The Creatives in Schools program by the Ministry of Education to host the production.
The show is a special theater event celebrating Matariki (the Maori New Year) and creating new legends. It features song (waiata), dance (ura), haka, and drama. The drama department has researched the history of Mount Maunganui, including the Ranui disaster of December 28, 1950, which is depicted in the production.
Wayne Flanagan describes the production as a mix of ancient tales, local stories, fun, laughter, and tragedies that have occurred around Mauao, all expressed through dance, drama, and cultural performances. The title of the show comes from one of the main songs, ‘Always beside you’.
The production is directed by Jason Te Mete, known for his recent Tauranga productions, and choreographed by Vincent Farane from the Black Grace Dance Company. It is supported by the Creatives In Schools Programme.
Described by Wayne as “the most epic MMC production ever”, the show is a modern theatrical experience that combines both traditional Maori stories and historical facts, presented in both Maori and English languages. It promises to be high energy with special dance and haka performances.
‘Mauao always beside you’ will be performed at Baycourt Theatre at 7pm on Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27. Tickets can be purchased online.
