A better play
Now, eight years later, Maori theatre company Taki Rua is bringing the award winning play back to Wellington audiences for a season at Downstage.
Belz, currently Writer in Residence at Victoria University, says Awhi Tapu has evolved over time. The dialogue, he says, is crisper and the play itself more ‘militant’.
“ It was definitely softer first time round. I was also a new writer and I jammed everything I liked about writing into it. The story now is a lot cleaner.”
Awhi Tapu is the story of four young friends who grew up in a small town in the Urewera’s that’s been devastated by the loss of the forestry industry. With nothing to believe in the four make the town their fantasy playground.
“They’re angry against society and have nobody to guide them,” Belz says. “But then the need to give purpose to their lives sees them attempt to resurrect the town. So while the play’s about anger and rebellion it’s also about hope and heroes.”
Awhi Tapu is directed by Leo Peters and stars recent Toi Whakaari graduate James Tito, Tola Newbery, Matariki Whatarau and Kura Forrester. All four actors will make their Downstage debuts this season.
The season also includes a special audio described performance for the blind and sight-impaired.
Awhi Tapu, Taki Rua Productions, Downstage Theatre, July 13-30.









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