The Modern Maori Quartet is exactly what it says it is: four young Maori fullas in sharp suits, harmonising exquisitely in a mixture of Te Reo and English. What I come away thinking about, however, is not how beautiful the melodies are, or how hilarious the jokes, but how poignantly it tells a story of the position of the Maori people and their language, Te Reo Maori, in New Zealand, Aotearoa, from the beginning of the twentieth century to now.  

The premise of the story is brilliant but simple. Three of the men have been waiting in that in-between place, the one before Hawaiki, but after death. Finally, the fourth member arrives, confused. The quartet is complete, and in order to make their way onwards they must perform the show and tell their truth. 

Each of the four performers has quite an equal role in the action. Guitar-strumming Maaka Pohatu centres the players nicely, although this does leave him with just one hand to use for gesture, so I am relieved that he pops the guitar away for his big moment.

James Tito is positively giggle-inducing as that classic, sleazy ladies’ man, and Matariki Whatarau pulls off the new addition with such sweet naiveté. The moment that really strikes me emotionally, however, is Matu Ngaropo’s performance as Koro, the war veteran. There is a tendency with the other characters to hold a moment past its prime, but Ngaropo’s raw, tender handling of a controversial situation has me almost in tears. 

Nancy Wijohn’s choreography is slick, seamlessly joining the classic barbershop quartet style with traditional Maori waiata actions and adding a contemporary twist. Complementing this with flair is musical director Tama Waipara.

Overall, the flow of music and dialogue is soothing as it rises and falls between fast humour and pensive emotion. The jovial spontaneity does seem a little forced at times – although this could be put down to first night nerves.

Each of these elements are enjoyable on their own, but director Rachel House ensures they all come together in a soothing rise and fall of fast humour and delicate emotion.

Far from being just a great night of song and dance as I had expected, this show is a solid journey with a deep wisdom about it. From World War II to asset sales, each bro has a story to tell about how the social position of Maori during their lifetime has affected both their life and death.

It’s funny, it’s tragic, and it’s full of hope for Te Reo Maori being claimed back as a language to be proud of and a culture to be embraced. 

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