SPEAKING REFLECTIONS: WHAIKOORERO (SPEECH MAKING) AND KARANGA (WELCOMING CRY) IN RECENT THEATRE BY MAAORI WOMEN

Authors

Mei-Lin Te-Puea Hansen, University of AucklandFollow

Abstract

This essay suggests that contemporary Maaori/bicultural theatre is becoming a potent site for the articulation of Maaori women’s aspirations and concerns. Drawing on Maaori women’s biographical koorero from four plays performed between 1986 and 1997, the essay presents a kind of “vocal kaleidoscope.” This vocal kaleidoscope reflects the complexities of balancing a contemporary existence with a traditional past. Rena Owen’s Te Awa I Tahuti, Riwia Brown’s Roimata, Renee’s Jeannie Once, and Briar Grace-Smith’s Ngaa Pou Waahine render audible gender and cultural identity issues pertinent to Maaori women. Pieced together, the reflective voices of these waahine koorero help locate points of symmetry and refraction in Maaori women’s experience.

Recommended Citation

Hansen, Mei-Lin Te-Puea (2007) "SPEAKING REFLECTIONS: WHAIKOORERO (SPEECH MAKING) AND KARANGA (WELCOMING CRY) IN RECENT THEATRE BY MAAORI WOMEN," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 30: No. 1, Article 30.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol30/iss1/30