After a long-awaited return, Centrepoint Theatre’s stage lights up once again with the poignant and heartfelt play, He Reo Aroha.* This story of love, loss and a yearning for home is masterfully brought to life by the brilliant writing duo Miria George and Jamie McCaskill.

Under the direction of Tawhi Thomas, the play explores the intertwined lives of childhood sweethearts Kaia and Pascoe, portrayed by the dynamic duo Joe Dekkers-Reihana and Mycah Keall.

Set in the small New Zealand town of Ti Kapa, ‘He Reo Aroha’ follows Kaia’s pursuit of dreams in New York and Pascoe’s establishment of a fishing business back home. As the years pass and their paths diverge, the true desires of their hearts come into focus when Kaia returns.

Opening night at Centrepoint Theatre greets us with a simple yet effective set. The use of clever lighting allows the stage to effortlessly transition between the contrasting worlds of Kaia and Pascoe, either splitting the stage to reflect their separate journeys, or merging into a single, shared space. The subtle background sounds adds layers to the ambiance, making the small-town setting come alive.

The narrative, interwoven with original waiata by Hone Hurihanganui and music by Kali Kopae and Jamie McCaskill, touches on universal themes of love and belonging.

Joe Dekkers-Reihana and Mycah Keall’s performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Both actors seamlessly shift between multiple characters, with Dekkers-Reihana showcasing a particularly impressive androgynous ability to morph into familiar personalities that elicit recognition and amusement from the audience. Keall, with her understated yet powerful presence, captivates us with her emotive performance and a voice that soars beautifully through each waiata and song.

A standout moment is the lively party scene, where the actors skilfully transition in and out of various roles, creating the illusion of a room teeming with guests. This scene highlights their confident acting and deep understanding of each character, making the room feel full despite the minimalist set.

The script and its delivery strike a perfect balance between humour and heartfelt moments, and the effortless chemistry between Dekkers-Reihana and Keall make Kaia and Pascoe’s story both relatable and moving.

This 80-minute theatrical gem is not to be missed.

*[The original production of He Reo Aroha premiered at Circa in June 2010, toured extensively and was presented at Centrepoint in March 2013.]

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