Ka Mua Ka Muri — Atamira Dance Company

A blend of cultural storytelling and dynamic contemporary choreography combine for a special showing at The Opera House. ’Ka Mua Ka Muri’ is the latest creation from Atamira Dance Company in Auckland. The matinee and evening performances are billed as a high-energy, emotionally resonant exploration of Mātauranga Māori. Mātauranga Māori is traditional knowledge, values, and philosophy.

Running as part of Kia Mau festival, two choreographers have created complementary works. ‘Remain’ by Eddie Elliott (Ngāti Maniapoto) emphasises the importance of preserving cultural foundations to honour the past, understand the present, and shape the future for rangatahi . ‘Whakamaheahea’ by Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa) showcases the urban Māori experience. It moves past loss to embrace divine, ancestral, and human elements. 

Main image credit: ‘Ka Mua Ka Muri’ by Atamira Dance Company ©Andi Crown Photography