Did the famously cheeky Māui really hit Tama nui te Ra, the mighty Sun? Come find out in this creative new one man show that is a fun journey of adventure that takes a new yet very old look into one of Aotearoa’s most well known Māori myths. Wellington based artist, actor, musician, teacher Matiu Te Huki has over 30 years experience in the music industry and as a national and international kapa haka exponent and teacher. Matiu is the founder, playwright, composer and production director of Te Whanau Puawai Ora Māori Performing Arts Trust where he creates touring shows for schools addressing youth mental health issues using music, dance, kapahaka and theatre to uplift and inspire youth in schools around New Zealand.

Matiu’s latest creation is a dynamically engaging performance using live music, humour, Māori storytelling and audience participation that weaves its way through the story of Māui and the Sun with an ancient twist. “Did Māui really hit the Sun?” Encouraging positive life qualities such as listening, gratitude, kindness, courage, patience, teamwork with a strong focus non violent ways of processing heavy emotions such as anger, fear and sadness through haka, movement and noise, this performance will leave tamariki with tools to positively take on the challenges of life with the power and control we need when facing overwhelming situations like someone calling us names or having to catch and slow down the Sun. The show is 50 mins long. For all ages

Part of Artworks Theatre's Motu Matariki Festival funded by Foundation North.