Ā mātou mahi | Our work
Whakaaturanga mataora
Live performance
Using the unique Theatre Marae method, we facilitate and provide live performance as part of in-school programmes and full public productions.
On this page you can find information about:
Theatre Marae productions
Te Rākau has a track record of presenting high quality and socially relevant theatre. Our performances engage, challenge and delight both participants and audiences alike. We re-present past works and we develop new plays. Recent new plays were Unreel about gambling harm, addictions that featured an AI pokie machine, and The Swing about ngā whiore, family sexual violence, suicide and the pūrakau of Hine-Nui-Te=Pō.
Our new play is being presented in October and November in the Lower North Island. It is called Out The Gate: Theatre Marae conversation about incaceration in Aotearoa. Find out more
We deliver our programmes using a unique framework called Theatre Marae. Find out more
Theatre Marae in schools
Our in-school Theatre Marae programme is a holistic learning experience suitable for all ages and backgrounds.
Over a term, Te Rākau works with a group of rangatahi and their wider school community to rehearse and present a high quality theatre performance that will engage, challenge and delight participants and audience members alike. Te Rākau has been working in theatre-in-education since forming and supporting the next generation has always been an important part of our mahi. Te Rākau's mission is to advance holistic wellbeing, creativity, and belonging for all New Zealanders through Theatre Marae.
Our productions speak to contemporary topics such as identity, community, whānau, biculturalism, mental wellbeing, love, sacrifice, safety and healing.
holistic growth
Our Theatre Marae schools programmes are holistic in nature.
Te Taha Whānau | Relationships
The social environment of a creative ensemble enables rangatahi to develop healthy, pro-social relationships with their peers. Our participants learn and practice positive, respectful and assertive communication skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Te Taha Tinana | Physical wellbeing
Our programmes guide rangatahi on their journey to re-connect with their bodies. Performance skills include physical fitness and awareness, respect for others' bodies, and a growing sense of self-embodiment (the sense of having or inhabiting a body).
Te Taha Hinengaro | Psychological wellbeing
Rangatahi are supported to connect to their psychological wellbeing using a number of techniques incorporated into the programme's daily routine. This includes creating a shared sense of safety, discussing thoughts and feelings, extending use of appropriate vocabulary, gaining confidence using assertive communication, and growing self-awareness.
Te Taha Wairua | Spiritual wellbeing
Our programme has deep foundations in Te Taha Wairua. We practice regular inoi and karakia, and engage each other in philosophical discussions about mindfulness, cultural exchange, kapa haka, and the themes underpinning waiata or theatrical text.
Tai Ao | Physical environment
Participants consider how they treat their physical environments as an extension of how they respect themselves and others.
Iwi Katoa | Social environment
By presenting their work to the public, participants gain valuable and immediate reinforcement of their efforts from their own communities. Rangatahi leaders also take on responsibilities such as greeting audiences, facilitating discussions after shows, and developing public speaking or interpersonal skills.