|
|
|
|
|
“ONCE WERE WARRIORS” MUSICAL |
|
By
Malia
Tuai |
|
| |
Samoan-Tokelauan-Maori
Henry Perez, actor/musician plays one of the main characters in the
“Once were Warriors” 4 million budget musical drama directed by widely
acclaimed and renowned actor and director Jim Moriarty.
The musical drama is based on Alan Duff’s book, “Once were Warriors,”
from which the movie was also produced. For those unfamiliar with the
book or movie, the story line is of the Heke family where domestic
violence is rife.
In an article in the Sunday Star Times, (Feb 1) Duff said, “There’s no
reason why Warriors shouldn’t be a musical. Its appeal, is universal.”
Moriarty also commented that “Family violence is not a brown peoples
issue. It’s a peoples issue.”
With a cast of 40, Henry will play the role of the oldest son, Nig Heke
alongside singer/actress Tina Cross who plays the mother, Beth Heke.
Maria MacDonald plays the daughter Grace Heke and Willie Craig Fransen
plays the father Jake Heke, a character made famous by actor Temuera
Morrison in the movie.
Moriarty describes the cast as “survivors, most of them handpicked
because they can do the business. You watch some of the kapa haka they
do and these people get it into their bodies so firmly and so strongly,
they vibrate.”
The production is “the largest undertaking of its kind in New Zealand
theatre history and arguably the biggest and first indigenous New
Zealand musical drama ever.”
Henry was formally with
Auckland based, TUPU, Regional Alcohol and Drugs Service (RADS) before joining
the “Once were Warriors” crew. He wrote the script and music for
“Fakahela” performed at several major conferences and events in the
last 2 years. “Fakahela” received very commendable reviews for its rich blend of culture,
language, dance and music to tell the story of a drug addicted Tongan youth and
his family. He has also several prior years of drama and music experience with
Jim Moriarty and Te Rakau Hua and has worked with Pacific artists on other
projects.
“Once were Warriors” has embarked on a national tour around the
country. The show opened on the 2nd March in Christchurch at the
Christchurch Theatre Royal and will be |
|
 |
|
|
Samoan-Tokelauan-Maori Henry Perez, actor/musician plays one of
the main characters in the “Once were Warriors”. |
 |
|
With a cast of 40, including Tina Cross as Beth Heke, Henry as
Nig Heke, Willie Craig Fransen plays the father Jake Heke and
Maria MacDonald plays the daughter Grace Heke. |
 |
|
The musical drama is based on Alan Duff’s book, “Once were
Warriors,” from which the movie was also produced; featuring
Temuera Morrison. |
| |
back in Christchurch from March 24-April 3.
Other shows around the country include: Dunedin: March 16-19, Auckland: April
10- 28, Wellington May 3-22.
For further information or details check website:
www.tiketek.co.nz
|
|
| |
Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
