New film Taki Rua – Breaking Barriers reflects and retraces the milestones and successes of Māori theatre Taki Rua.
The documentary explores the 30-year journey of Taki Rua Productions, a groundbreaking kaupapa Māori theatre company, from its beginnings as an experimental bicultural partnership to becoming Aotearoa New Zealand’s unofficial national Māori theatre.
Despite financial struggles, creative disputes, and natural disasters, Taki Rua has endured, championing biculturalism and revitalizing te reo Māori through the arts.
Writer-director Whetū Fala’s debut feature blends interviews, archival footage, and adaptations of iconic Taki Rua plays such as Te Hokina, Purapurawhetū, Whatungarongaro, and Ngā Tangata Toa. These works, known for their provocative social commentary, remain relevant today.
The documentary also highlights Taki Rua’s present-day achievements, including the immersive te reo Māori production of Patricia Grace’s Te Kuia Me Te Pūngāwerewere, which delights audiences of all ages and language levels.
Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers is an inspiring tribute to the wāhine toa, artists, and activists who pushed boundaries, fostered biculturalism, and brought Māori creativity to the global stage.
