Ka Mua Ka Muri

A high-energy, emotionally resonant exploration of Mātauranga Māori, blending cultural storytelling with dynamic contemporary choreography.

Atamira Dance Company encompasses and uplifts the voices of acclaimed choreographers and long-time collaborators, Bianca Hyslop and Eddie Elliott in this unique and powerful double bill Ka Mua Ka Muri.

Derived from and inspired by, the whakataukī ‘kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua’, Ka Mua Ka Muri relates to Māori perspectives of time where the past, present and future are intertwined, exploring the significance of whakapapa while defining new aspirations for the future.

Remain by Eddie Elliott (Ngāti Maniapoto) emphasises the importance of preserving cultural foundations to honour the past, understand the present, and shape a promising future for rangatahi.

Whakamaheahea by Bianca Hyslop (Te Arawa) showcases urban Māori experiences by transcending loss-based narratives and embracing multifaceted identities that encompass divine, ancestral, and human elements.

“…there is a strong sense of empowerment, transformation, and resilience that underpins Ka Mua Ka Muri. It has the potential to inspire a bright collective.” Malcolm Calder, New Zealand Arts Review

Choreographers: Bianca Hyslop, Eddie Elliott Dance Artists: Abbie Rogers, Caleb Heke, Madi Tumataroa, Matiu Hamuera, Sharn Te Pou, Tai Taranui Hemana Sound Composition: Eden Mulholland Set and Costume Design: Rona Ngahuia Osborne Lighting Design: Owen McCarthy Projection Design, Remain: Owen McCarthy Projection Design, Whakamaheahea: Dan Mace Creative Writing Support, Whakamaheahea: Francis Legg Executive Producer: Marama Lloydd Artistic Manager (2024): Kelly Nash

Rehearsal Director: Sean MacDonald Production Manager: Emmanuel Reynaud AV Operator: Bekky Boyce Lighting Operator: Wendy Clease Stage Manager: Edward Peni

Kaihautū, Director: Bianca Hyslop Kaiwhakaputa Auaha, Creative Producer: Marama Lloydd Kaiwhakahaere, General Manager: Ashley David Marketing and Education: Abbie Rogers Photography: Sacha Stejko