It’s not often I attend a show primarily aimed at children, but Silo Theatre’s production of Taniwha by Leon Radojkovic looked like it could be quite interesting.
As it turns out this is one hell of an amazing show. Yes, there were plenty of tikes in the audience, but it is just as appealing to adults with its mix of narrated story telling, puppetry, and live music.
The basic story is about three kids called Miriama, William, and Crystal who are friends and neighbours. Near there homes is an area of bush with a stream that is being destroyed for a housing estate.
When strange things start happening the kids realise a taniwha has awoken and isn’t happy with what is happening the environment. Supported by Mrs Moon, a local shopkeeper, the kids set out to remedy the situation and help the taniwha restore the mana of the whenua.
The show was narrated wonderfully by Kura Forrester who brought a delightful range of energy drama and emotion to the story. The puppetry, sets and landscapes were well complex and well designed and controlled magnificently by the puppeteers. Cameras caught the action and projected the images on to a giant screen and I found myself watching the actual set changes as much as the screen as it was so fascinating and well done. The live music was a real treat and performed expertly. The instruments included a violin, keyboards, woodwind, and what I think is called a dulcimer.
All of this combined to tell a whimsical tale about protecting our natural world and the power of co-operation – a message that adults as well as children should hear.
TANIWHA
28 June – 13 July 2025
Herald Theatre, Auckland
