Review: MEA TAU at Basement Theatre Auckland

From the very start, I was fully immersed in this performance. My eyes and mind were captivated and I was drawn into 60 minutes of delicious interpretation through choreographed cleverness and pristine movement.

Choreographer Elijah Kennar is a recent Dance Studies graduate from The University of Auckland and an emerging artist.

As a teenager he stood out with his heightened creativity which was both mesmerising and quirky. This talent has evolved along with his knowledge and experience into something very special.

Kennar was inspired by post-modernist American choreographer and dancer Trisha Brown's 1975 Locus score and this work is essential to the development of this piece.

At first I was drawn solely into the authenticity of the skill involved in the physicality of this incredible piece.

Performed by six men, Mea Tau personifies weapons with movement and gives them voice.

The piece explores the fine lines between subjectivity and objectivity.

I found it so engaging that time became timeless as I feasted on the enthralling piece that unfolded before me. My mind was guided to the connections of movement and message through both the strengths and frailty of human nature.

The rhythm of indigenous movement was juxtaposed with the influence of the contemporary, of masculine identity being changed and manipulated through contrast and relationship with weapons.

Tonight is already sold out. Don't miss out.

Mea Tau Basement Theatre Auckland NZ 28 February - 4th March

Tickets: http://www.basementtheatre.co.nz/whats-on/mea-tau/