Pacific Underground at the Marae

Nga Hau E Wha National Marae, 250 Pages Road, Christchurch
Tues 15 & Thurs 17 June 2010
A “very funny” play by Christchurch-based music and performing arts group Pacific Underground will be a highlight of the community evenings at Christchurch’s Nga Hau E Wha National Marae celebrating Matariki this week.

Pacific Underground created the play for Matariki at the Marae last year and are putting it on in Dunedin and Palmerston North as well as Christchurch this year.

“Rangi and Mau’s Amazing Race” is the story of two children who meet in the school library, having been given one more chance to complete an assignment on Matariki.

Their unwillingness to help each other summons Genie Mata, who sets challenges taking Rangi and Mau back in time. Their ‘amazing race’ against the clock is described as a “fun-filled and hilarious journey” about themselves, Aotearoa and all things Matariki.

The play will be performed as part of the Matariki celebrations open to the public tomorrow (Tuesday) and Thursday nights, 5.30pm to 8pm, at Nga Hau E Wha National Marae, 250 Pages Road.

All activities are free.

Matariki, known as the Maori New Year, is the appearance of the star cluster Pleiades or Seven Sisters in the north-eastern pre-dawn sky.

Celebrations in Christchurch include cultural entertainment, art and craft exhibitions and activities, and stargazing throughout June.

www.myspace.com/pacificunderground