The Voices in The Shadows is a beautiful, clever and deeply courageous piece of high-end art. A true fusion of the ancient and contemporary, and an incredibly insightful commentary of the political and social injustices of today and yesteryear.

Kudos and congratulations to the creator of this work, Rangipo Ihakara, for having the courage and heart to make a work that is so very brave, and yes somewhat confronting, but confronting in a way that will educate, instigate, titillate all the senses and souls of the audience. Her own immense talent – her expertise as an artist, composer and performer in her own right – needs to be recognised and applauded. It is obvious that she brings this all with her onto the stage in this, her debut as a Director.

As the show unfolds, whilst there are moments that challenge and demand acknowledgement of tragedy, nothing is gratuitous or for shock value. Every moment is drenched in mana, consideration, hope and heart collaboration, as cast and crew harmoniously channel the voices of their ancestors and historical events that have shaped, and continue to shape, the lives of Māori, Palestinian and Polynesian people.

Every aspect of this production is a stunning.

A cohesive celebration of artists coming together with one voice. Which brings me to the voices: the SINGING! Almost no words can describe the beauty and delight of this unique experience.

The pureness and clarity of each single note or harmony, sung into every nook and cranny of the theatre, is of such honesty, such wonderment, and is such an incredible gift to the audience. The live musical accompaniment is almost sparse, yet integral to leading the narrative and storytelling. Guiding, enhancing, nurturing and daring the human voices to soar. Phenomenal. 

I sit in a theatre filled with folk who know music, kapahaka and performance, and there are constant audible sighs of appreciation, emotional sniffles and whispered words of “powerful” and “beautiful” as smatters of applause throughout the performance show the level of respect and love for this new experience of theatre in Rotorua.

Lighting is cleverly minimal – subtly taking the eye on a journey as the shadows shift and move so delicately that at various moments one is surprised that there is suddenly a ‘set’ change as performers lithely story-tell their way throughout the space.

The wonderfully multi-talented performers are precise, strong and heart-rending in their work. Although they are all shadowed, working in and with shadowed lighting, their stage presence and integrity in the storytelling is impactful and a joy to watch. Ihakara’s use of the shadows is daring, and the execution superbly unapologetic. It is somewhat gratifying that there is no hiding, no shame in highlighting how often in life, people are left in the shadows whilst others stand in the light.

Choreography is not limited to a singular ‘dance’ per se – the whole show is a carefully curated patterning of clean lines and angles, belying the complexity and emotion of the narrative.

Costumes also are simple with clean lines and purpose, yet still allow characterisation and personalities to show through with grace, style and elegance.

Ihakara’s ingenious use of space and sound production means that quite often one does not know where the voices were coming from. Clever and with integrity to the title of the show – the voices consistently seep out from the shadows, channelling ancestors and spirits of those past and present. The beautiful, heart-breaking, soulful then joyful imagery is both purposeful and playful taking audience on an enlightening journey, reminding us to stay conscious, stay truthful and face the inhumanities of humanity.

Legendary Tame Iti brings to the stage a presence and performance that is so powerful; his mana as tangible and honest as the voices and movements of his fellow performers. His rhetoric is strong and truthful, as the challenge of unification, liberation and consolidation is put to the audience. So simply presented, so forthrightly requested: “Toi Tu Te Tiriti” – an encouragement, an urging, a plea.

Sounds are explosive, unforgiving and ever present – representative of the ever-underlying rumble of danger, pain and cruelty. 

And then there is a beautiful Pacific lullaby as a solo female gracefully weaves her way around the stage and momentarily takes us to the moana, the Pacific Ocean, the pace and beauty of the mother lands of Polynesia.

There is no audience that will be as supportive/loving, yet also as critical and harsh as one’s hometown and Ihakara does her whanau and community proud. She brings to the stage of the Matangi Rau Theatre a work of such honesty and finesse that is epic, visionary and vital to the world. It is a beautiful and honourable homage to the great, late Muriwai Ihakara.

This show, Rangipo Ihakara and the Wairea Company MUST travel.

If it comes to a theatre near you, please go see it, you will leave the theatre filled with hope, and a reminder of both the fragility of life and strength in unity and conscious courage.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer