Christchurch based performing arts organisation Pacific Underground is back after a three year break from touring the country's secondary schools. Pacific Underground has been showcasing their hillarious theatre-in-education comedy "Rangi and Mau's Fantastic Voyage" which began on Friday 19 April, at Hillmorton High School.

'Rangi and Mau's Fantastic Journey' tells the story of a Maori student and a Samoan student who hate each other so much they are put on Saturday detention for their constant bickering. As the day unfolds they meet a mysterious stranger and are suddenly thrust back in time. During their time travels they encountered famous events and people who've impacted the world including Nelson Mandela, Tupua Tamasese III, Kupe the Great voyager and others.

The comedy is loosely based on the hit comedy flick "Bill and Ted's Most Excellent Adventure", where they encountered historically significant people and events.

The show stars Pacific Underground actors, Joy Vaele (Oscar Kightley's Dawn Raids), Avefua Robertson (Dawn Raids) and Barbara Carpenter (Toa Fraser's Paradise), and is coordinated and scripted by Tanya Muagututi'a. Niuean actor, Shimpaal Leleisi, directs.

"In this story Rangi and Mau have to learn to get along - without the racism and the prejudice. What is portrayed here is that, from past events, we can all learn how to make a better world," said Muagututi'a.

"The concept of time travel lends excellent opportunity for adventure, discovery and mystery. We also have simple vices that make it easier to bring this comedy to the stage from an appearance by the infant Jonah Lomu to a stint on 'Survivor' where both Rangi and Mau are sent to the Tribal Council" said Muagututi'a, "and of course our trade-mark humour," adds actor Barbara Carpenter.

Pacific Underground will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year but the current team have worked together now for 5 years. Their first appearance together was with Pacific Underground's Secondary School play "Bully For You" in 1997, scripted by Erolia Ifopo. They appeared the following year in "The Prospects" written by Oscar Kightley, which toured the country. Since then they have toured together with the Primary School version of 'Rangi and Mau's Fantastic Journey' in 2000 and performed in Christchurch and Wellington.

Muagututi'a said Pacific Underground exists to tell stories of Pacific peoples living and

growing up in Aotearoa, through the arts. Actress Joy Vaele agreed.

"Within 'Rangi and Mau's Fantastic Voyage' we are telling numerous stories of some pretty amazing people," said Vaele. "Students will be entertained with quality drama, and educated at the same time."

'Rangi and Mau's Fantastic Voyage' appeared in Christchurch Primary Schools, at the 2001 Christchurch Arts Festival, last year at Wellington's Te Papa, and at this year's Ua - Pacific Arts festival in the Arts Centre. The delayed tour (due to funding restraints) has meant the third version of this comedy will tour schools in Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Hastings, Napier, Hamilton and Auckland.
 

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