Theatre Marae
Theatre Marae combines complementary spiritual, social and political concepts from Greek theatre and Marae into a performance hui.
A unique framework
At its core, our Theatre Marae advances tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty), mana taurite (equity) and whanaungatanga (belonging) for all New Zealanders.
Our work is underpinned by Māori customs, language, and philosophies and founded upon a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These elements come together within practices of Theatre Marae, which Te Rākau uses to deliver life-changing experiences.
One of the things that touched me as a young person was I observed all the old people doing, how they slowed down time almost to make the encounter just as important as the subject inside the encounter. (Jim Moriarty 2026)
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art and healing
Theatre Marae combines the complementary spiritual, social and political concepts of the Greek theatre and marae into performance hui. We work at the interface of toi and hauora, using a fusion of therapeutic models, ngā mahi a te Rēhia (Māori performing arts) and applied theatre.
Supported and delivered by registered mental health professionals, Theatre Marae productions are transformative for those involved and audiences.
You all did a great job presenting quite difficult content in a respectful and meaningful way. Thank you for pouring your hearts into it—it showed.” (Audience member The Swing Wellington 2023)
“My identity feels empowered being here.” (Company member during rehearsal Out the Gate 2025)
