Season 4 | Episode 22 | A collab of Indigenous voices opens the Aronui Arts Festival.

“The Voices in the Shadows” is premiering this week in Rotorua as part of the Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival. This powerful, Indigenous-led production from Wairea Company takes audiences on a journey from darkness to light, exploring themes of colonisation, language loss, and cultural suppression. By highlighting the voices of Māori, Pacific, and Palestinian cultures, it offers a rich reflection on shared experiences and a hopeful vision for the future through music, kapa haka, and contemporary dance.
@ohinganz went behind the scenes to speak with producer Rangipo Ihakara, Tame Iti, and Sameh Shout, who emphasised the importance of the production’s themes, especially in today’s climate. Rather than evoke anger, the aim is to inspire hope, understanding, and to nurture both hearts and minds in the search for a brighter future.
“We need to do something. It’s important for every person to do what they can.” - Sameh Shout
The Voices in the Shadows opens this Thursday, with daily screenings until 22 September at various venues in Rotorua. Tickets are available via the link below.
Buy tickets to “The Voices in the Shadows” 👉🏼 shorturl.at/3WJTY
#ohinganz #aotearoa #newzealand #maoriculture #maori #palestine #indigenous #solidarity #performingarts #aronuiartsfestival #colonisation