We are a QTIPOC-led collective based in
Te Whanganui-a-Tara creating spaces for performance art, activation, activism and exploration.
Born through Ballroom, we exist to grow ourselves and others through creativity, artistry and telling untold stories with radical joy, kataz and love.
Organisation Colleagues
I am an emerging multi-disciplinary, queer and Māori artist professing in Graphic Design, Dance and Performance Arts.
I am the Co-Director of the Wellington-based QTIPOC-led arts collective OVĀ Collective Ltd; creating spaces and opportunities for performance art, activation, activism and exploration.
I am a council leader within the Aotearoa Ballroom community and Mother of the trailblazing Kiki HOUSE OF MARAMA. I compete in Performance and Fashion categories within Ballroom and have won numerous grand prizes across NZ & Australia respectfully, most notably within Vogue Fem categories.
My dance and performance journey began in 2019 at Penn State University (Pennsylvania, USA) as part of the Urban Dance Troupe club.
I have since been involved in a variety of performances and showcases such as Spotlight (Performer), BLANK KANVAS (Choreographer), Battlezone (Performer), and the multi-award winning show ARAWHATA (Director & Producer) which also toured to Auckland and Hawkes Bay.
Organisation/Company
Name: OVĀ
My Role: Co-Director
We are an emerging QTIPOC-led collective based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara creating spaces for performance art, activation, activism and exploration.
Born through Ballroom, we exist to grow ourselves and others through creativity, artistry and telling untold stories with radical joy, kataz and love.
https://ovacollective.squarespace.com/
ARAWHATA
Artform: Dance Theatre
Development Status: Tour Ready
Media Uploads
Trailer
Full Length
Synopsis
ARAWHATA* is a tapestry of stories woven together through shared lived experiences as queer, Indigenous people of colour. Amalgamating a myriad of disciplines, from contemporary dance, poetry, cultural performance, and underground ballroom,** this cutting-edge theatre show celebrates liberation, self-determination and empowerment of QTIPOC in Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.
From rave reviews at the 2023 Kia Mau Festival in Wellington and winners of multiple NZ Fringe awards, including ‘Best in Fringe’ at the 2023 NZ Fringe Festival.
*Arawhata in te reo Māori translates to ladder, bridge or stairs.
**Rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ subculture that emerged out of Harlem (NYC) in the early 1970s. Ballroom provides a sense of community, becoming the chosen ‘house’ or family for many and offering a safe space for self-expression in the form of voguing, fashion, lip-sync, and more.
Creative Team and Crew
Co-Directors, Producers and Choreographers:
Carym Wharerau (KARAMERA)
Jerome Burton-Mclean (ROMÉ)
Kaysee Savali (Tour Producer)
Cast:
Hibiscus Tupua-Wilson (HIBISCUS)
Kiwi Rameka (KIWI)
Luchiano Edwards-Tuioti (LUCHI)
Mina Ruaporo (MINA)
Eddstar Jaynie Tupolo (EDDSTAR)
Lazarus MARAMA (LAZARUS)
Te Hāmama Hohua (TE HĀMAMA)
Manfred Manglicmot (MANFRED)
Tech Rider:
Isadora Lao (LX Design + LX OP)
Videographer/Photographer
Havea Latu (Vain Creative)
Number of People in the Touring Party
12
Previous Seasons
2023 Fringe Festival (17, 18, 19 Feb 2023)
Awarded Best in Fringe, Most Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Momentous Movement & Most Promising Pasifika Artist (Orijah)
2023 Kia Mau Festival (16, 17 June 2023)
ARAWHATA ON TOUR:
- Q Theatre, Auckland NZ (4-7 Oct 2023)
- Hawkes Bay Arts Festival, Hastings NZ (20 Oct 2023)
Reviews and Quotes
“With buckets of enthusiasm the large crew of eclectic L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ performers construct a happening that showcases individual triumphs and struggles whilst celebrating the cohesiveness and support of their community. Arawhata means ladder, bridge or stairs. It is an aspirational title for an inspirational show that delivers in spades.”
— Lyne Pringle
https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/arawhata/
“There’s an atmosphere of elation in the room, similar to what was created by the performance. There’s a feeling that these rangatahi have found their people, have discovered the place where they belong. This is the gift of ballroom, and of the Arawhata crew. To take up space. To be seen. To be proud to be authentically themselves.”
— Rosheen Fitzgerald
https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/arawhata/
"The show was very groundbreaking, it's good to finally see representation of brown excellence on stage."
— Moe Laga aka. Mistress Supreme
Technical Rider & International Touring Info (if applicable)
- View/download document #1 here
