Hemo is Home is a new play opening in Auckland on the 3rd of March 2023. Its described as a quirky comedy drama that explores Maori myth in an exciting new way.
Here to talk about the play is one of its actors Stephen Butterworth.
Press Play to listen:
More about the play:
Hemo is Home will premiere in March at Te Pou Theatre, the home of Māori theatre in Auckland. The play will star TVNZ weather presenter Te Rauhiringa Brown and renowned Māori actors Maaka Pohatu (Wellington Paranormal), Bronwyn Turei (Go Girls), Awhina Ashby (Rūrangi), Stephen Butterworth (Spartacus), and Kayne Peters (Life is Easy).
Hemo is Home is directed by Tainui Tukiwaho and also stars his 10-year-old son and co-writer Te Rongopai Curreen Tukiwaho in the lead role.
The quirky comedy was named runner-up at the prestigious New Zealand Adam Playwriting Awards in 2022 and was chosen as one of the best Māori plays of the year by Playmarket New Zealand’s Brown Ink competition.
Tainui wrote the play with his five children in his blended whānau, Te Rongopai, Mia Curreen-Poko, 17, Letoya Fernandez, 16, Paku Fernandez, 16, Jade Fernandez, 12. He used the creative activity as a fun way to keep his tamariki occupied during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hemo is Home March 3-12, 2023,
Te Pou Theatre, Corban Estate Arts Centre,
2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland. Tickets
