ANATOMY OF A DANCE, RALPH HOTERE 1975
Created by: Hotere, Ralph. Title: Anatomy of a dance. Song cycle, sound, movement, theatre. Design for programme & poster.
Date: 1975. Location: Hocken Pictorial Collections.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 8.2.13~
NY TIMES TURNS TO ATHLETES FOR INSPIRATION
NY Times: Training Insights From Star Athletes & Theater-Sports fusion: When a performance is a workout & vice versa.
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 15.1.13~
PAUL RUDD, ED ASNER, KENDRICK LAMAR & FROM THE HAT SEARCH TRENDS 2012
Photo: Paul Rudd helps Ed Asner celebrate his 83rd birthday after the actors show in NYC.–Photo: SplashNews. More celebrity photos @PeopleMagazine.
New Music, USA: Mr. Kendrick Lamar feat Drake.
Trends From The Hat – a few online search engine feeds sent this blog’s way are:
the maori legend of maui and the sun, dwayne johnson 2012 funny, kendrick lamar, dan carter rugby, usa music, julian lennon, solomon islands oil and minerals maps, third day, lady antebellum, a boy swimming with dolphins, david arquette funny photos, martha’s vineyard, kim kardashian, kim meraz, sir ralph norris, hillary clinton drinking vino ozzie, sam neil, (more…)
SOME MAORI NEWS: 12-13 NOVEMBER 2012
Some Maori News:
Wednesday 13th November 2012:
Paniora explores Spanish-Māori, East Coast ancestry: A new Māori play called Paniora written by Briar Grace-Smith explores the relationship between Spanish and Māori on the East Coast in a fictitious place called ‘Taiawa’. The cast is a full of well-known Māori actors.
I have an ancestor who came from Spain over two hundred years ago to New Zealand. He married into my nanny’s Maori tribe. His name was Paniora. Any writing Briar Grace does is always quality.
90-day work trial failing young Māori: The number of Māori unemployed stands at 44,000. The 90-day employee trial period for new employees is failing to reduce that figure. The law is aimed at encouraging employers to take on more staff – or sack workers after three months if things don’t work out. MP Tariana Turia says it’s not working, particularly for young Māori.
Maori are not second class citizens according to the founding document of NZ - so what is the issue here? Has New Zealand become too racist against Maori again? Let’s sort this out. (more…)
WELLINGTON KAPA HAKA – BREATHING, LIVING, EXUDING MAORI CULTURE’S STRENGTH FROM THE NATION’S CAPITAL
Maori culture is dynamic and infuses cultural life into the atmos of NZ’s spiritual and cultural blend. It is very important. Darren Apanui is a guru administrator visionary man, who helps encourage this artform along. He’s totally, a Te Aute college graduate, winner.
So, what has Darren got going on in NZ for us? Well, Te Karere News reports: “Kapa haka regionals have been won in the regions of NZ. Next month the line-up of all haka groups will be drawn for the nationals in Rotorua next year.” It is the Oscars nominees of our most talented kapa haka, Maori Cultural performing arts exponents and teams.
“The Wellington Kapa Haka Regionals were held over the weekend. The results are as follows:
1 st place: Nga Taonga Mai Tawhiti
2 nd place: Tu Te Maungaroa
3 rd place: Nga Uri o Tamarau”
Go there above to be re-energized as a Kiwi. Kaha Tumeke is the vibe – in strong gifts of unity and performance and discipline of teamwork, for us all to learn from – on show. Thanks Darren, TK News and these dynamic crews for their combined efforts. Nice flow!
Congratulations to the winners and the many hours of time that went into this new effort of our Kiwi culture. Love it!
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 6.8.12~
CHRIS FINLAYSON SPEAKS ON PORT NICHOLSON’S FUTURE – WAITANGI TRIBUNAL FINDINGS
Christropher Finlayson, Attorney-General for New Zealand was on New Zealand news today. The man who makes politics and law ethics sound like Shakespeare being performed live in New Zealand, appeared on TV to speak of Taranaki’s Port Nicholson.
Mr Finlayson says that the mismanagement of Port Nicholson could lead to new grievances further down the pipe line.
The Waitangi Tribunal (the group of judges who advise on Maori assets management under current law) have criticised the lack of communication between Crown negotiators over the Port Nicholson settlement in Wellington. (more…)
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY TWEETS WOODY HARRELSON’S NEW PLAY @ NEW WORLD THEATER
In Hawaii to Houston to New York stages bro-news: Matthew McConaughey tweeted: “Check out my brother from another mother Woody Harrelson‘s play Bullet for Adolf in nyc.”–Just Jared.
Bullets for Adolf is a bad combo play, based on the real life events of missing WWII artefacts in 1983 + Houston, Texas + sweltering heat. Oh no!This is supposed to equal a comedy. Harrelson describes his version of the play as 93% embroidery to the facts – of the original idea. So America right now! The play debuted last spring at The Hart House Theater, Toronto Canada. Matthew Gorman is currently running the theater classes at Hart right now.
[Photo: Collider]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 24.7.12~
THE RAUPO PHRASEBOOK OF MODERN MAORI – SCOTTY MORRISON’S GUIDE TO INTEGRATING MAORI INTO EVERY DAY FAMILY LIFE
Watching Breakfast television in New Zealand this weekend a few books were promo-ed on the show. One was Owen Glenn‘s rags-to-riches biographical life story, titled Making a Difference. Blogger and book critic Graeme Beattie‘s review of the book can be read here. Glenn is also the owner of The Warriors rugby league club in New Zealand. His work in India is vital in West Bengali.
Also on Breakfast was Stacey Morrison talking about a new book that is pivotal to New Zealand’s future. Her husband wrote the book. For people who would like to learn the Maori language and teach their children the language, Scotty Morrison‘s brand new book titled The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori: The User-friendly Guide for All New Zealanders is an essential Kiwi book we all must own a copy of.
Together, Stacey and Scotty’s combined contributions to enrich New Zealand culture as broadcasters is a massive legacy they have consistently given to instill a strength of spirit and Maori culture into the fabric of New Zealand’s ever-changing society. I love what they do. I get it. There are no words to explain what they have given over the years. They always give in fun ways, so you never know you’re really conscious you’re learning from them when they are on the air as entertainers and broadcasters. Thank you.
About the book. Fishpond book website writes:
“The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori is an up-to-date, versatile and highly relevant resource and guide for utilizing Maori language in everyday life. Whether you’re a novice or emergent speaker of te reo Maori, or a complete beginner, you’ll learn useful phrases for: The home, the marae, the workplace, and social settings etiquette. The book also gives advice about appropriate observations of time in correct address for the days, months, seasons and weather. Key phrases are taught for mathematical discourse in Maori too.
For the person who is on the go, The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori offers instructional knowledge for travel and directions, playing sports, having fun, and so much more!
The phrasebook also covers dialects, grammar and pronunciation; answers to key questions you’ll use the most in life; outlines favorite idioms and slang used every day in New Zealand society’s Maori conscious world; shares the wisdom of the ancients through proverbs and speeches; and provides information on the ever-changing history of te reo Maori – an active, evolving, living, satisfying and vibrant culture that’s on the rise.
The useful vocabulary lists are a big hit and are offered for each book section to make reading easy. The tone of the book is written in a user-friendly manner with everyday New Zealanders in mind. With a focus on modern-day language, The Raupo Phrasebook of Modern Maori is the guide that no home should be without.
About the Author: Scotty Morrison (Ngati Whakaue) is the well-known presenter of the Maori current affairs programme Te Karere. He holds a Diploma of Teaching, Bachelor of Education and a Masters degree (Education) from Waikato University.
Scotty is also the Director of Maori Student and Community Engagement at Auckland’s Unitec Institute of Technology Te Whare Wananga o Wairaka, where he promotes te reo Maori through awareness, administration and specialised courses.
Tumeke!
[Note: Must get both books].
Rawdon Christie of TVNZ interviews Stacey on integrating Maori into daily life. I think of how important Sir Apirana Ngata‘s books were to New Zealand society back in the day. This book has the ability to be just as profound to NZ culture and to the world that loves Indigenous Peoples knowledge too. How practical, valuable and useful. Rock on.
[Photo: Chris Skelton - Fairfax Media NZ]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 22.7.12~
AS PROMISED – KAPA HAKA, MAORI CULTURAL THEATER – OF THE DAY
Freedom of expression in community is when the spirit rises within, manifested in unision of teamwork. It is what New Zealand is good at, both on the sports field, in business and especially in the disciplined art of Kapa Haka (Maori cultural performance art theater).
In Hawaii, they love it. Here, we do too. :)
It’s about our words filling the atmos in a spiritual way embedded in the Maori language, that protects and stengthens New Zealand.
Enjoy!
[Some of the best groups names are: Here are the results: Waka Huia, Nga Tumanako, Manu Huia and Te Toka Tu Manawa.]
- – -
This post for our matua, Hone Hikitia Te Rangi Waititi (aka John the Major) and his legacy in The 28th Maori Battalion abroad and as a great grandfather in New Zealand.
Chur!
[Photo - Koha Magazine]
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 26.6.12~
ARTHUR MILLER PLAYS STILL WINNING TONY AWARDS IN NEW YORK
Is it just me, or does The Tonys need to cheer up a bit?
Sky News Australia reports today: Legendary playwright, Arthur Miller‘s 63-year-old masterpiece Death of a Salesman won the Tony Award for best play revival.
The latest version starred, Oscar winner, Philip Seymour Hoffman in the play that centres on Willy Loman as a man destroyed by his own stubborn belief in the glory of American capitalism and its spell of success.
The revival, a critique of the free-enterprise system, took on fresh meaning in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, that all began with an over-inflated housing price market.
Death of a Salesman is directed by Mike Nichols and also stars Spiderman‘s Andrew Garfield and Linda Emond. It features the same set and music as the original production from 1949. Miller’s play beat out Gore Vidal‘s The Best Man, Master Class and Wit. In a city that has both Wall Street and Broadway coexisting, the Tony’s are really speaking this year in New York.
For younger audiences, Arthur Miller was born in Harlem New York, into a Polish-Jewish immigrant family. Life was tough for the journalism major who won the Avery Hopwood Award for his play No Villain. He had the unusual distinction too, of being married to Marilyn Monroe once. His son Robert, a writer and film director, produced the 1996 movie version of Miller’s play, The Crucible. (more…)
TONY AWARDS 2012
Once was the big winner at the Tony Awards on Sunday, taking home eight awards, including best new musical.
[Photo - Joan Marcus, Los Angeles Times].
~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 11.6.12~
NEW ZEALAND’S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND HONORS LIST 2012 IS ANNOUNCED
Comedian and Oscar Winner, Bret McKenzie makes it onto the honors list this year in New Zealand in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Brett’s buddy (equally as talented), Jemaine Clement didn’t. Oh well. There’s next year for young Jemaine to catch up to his Kiwi twin. :)
This year in New Zealand where our economy recorded zero growth (through the books) and the UK’s economy is officially in recession again, while the USA’s unemployment statistics are alarming, and the Eurozone is in crises too - the New Zealand government announced Aotearoa’s honors list June 2012.
At a quick glance, the list may look a bit lite on people who created a thousand jobs (or more) for others, on farmers who paid the bills from their land and labours, on social justice champions too (not on this list) and of course (the usual of) high profile Maori men doing good in communities and the world, while raising children and showing respect to and caring for aged parents as well. Never mind.
We have next year to get that one right with Jemaine and bros being bumped up onto the list just for being funny, talented, authentic-Kiwi awesome. :)
There are so many cool Kiwis and exceptionally talented people on this list. Dedication, focus and passion seems to sum up their collective Kiwi traits this year.
This year’s list on a day where everyone’s staying toasty and warm with friends and family, is:
THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT
Dames Companion Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu, CNZM, QSM, JP, Auckland, for services to Maori and the community Pieter Ane Stewart, Darfield, for services to fashion and the community. Beverley Anne Wakem, CBE, Porirua, for services to the state.
Knights Companion
Dr The Honourable Michael John Cullen, Whakatane, for services to the state. Dr Roderick Sheldon Deane, Wellington, for services to business and the community. John James Patrick Kirwan, ONZM, MBE, Italy, for services to mental health and rugby. Maarten Laurens Wevers, CNZM, Wellington, for services to the state.
Companions
Neville Alexander Crichton, Auckland, for services to yachting and business. The Honourable Justice John Warwick Gendall, Wellington, for services to the state and sport. Stephen William Hansen, Christchurch, for services to rugby. Michael James Houstoun, Feilding, for services as a pianist. Jane Christine Huria, Christchurch, for services to corporate governance. Owen Marshall Jones, ONZM, Timaru, for services to literature. Anne Norman, Auckland, for services to business. David Norman, Auckland, for services to business. His Excellency Mr Paul Thomas O’Sullivan, Wellington, for services to Australia-New Zealand relations. Christopher William Saines, Auckland, for services to the arts. John Shewan, Wellington, for services to business. Professor Peter Donald Graham Skegg, Dunedin, for services to medical law. Wayne Ross Smith, Cambridge, for services to rugby. John Lewis Spencer, Wellington, for services to business. Professor Christine Winterbourn, Christchurch, for services to science.
Officers
Philip Brendan Aldridge, Christchurch, for services to theatre. Emeritus Professor Peter Leonard Bergquist, Auckland, for services to science. Leon Martyn Theodore Blanchet, Leeston, for services to athletics. Robyn Denise Broughton, MNZM, Invercargill, for services to netball. Geoffrey John Chapple, Auckland, for services to tramping, tourism and literature. Assistant Commissioner David Mark Cliff, Rangiora, for services to the New Zealand Police and the community. Shane William Cotton, Palmerston North, for services to the visual arts. Michael Thomas Eagle, Christchurch, for services to rugby. Fiona Farrell, Akaroa, for services to literature. Gregory William Gent, Ruawai, for services to the dairy industry and corporate governance. Thomas James Gerrard, JP, Auckland, for services to education. Dr Ronald George Gibson, Morrinsville, for services to veterinary science. David Timothy Gibson, Wellington, for services to the film and television industry. Richard Alan Guy, Waipu, for services to rugby. Brian Martin Hight, Auckland, for services to agricultural publishing. Nigel Raymond Latta, Auckland, for services as a psychologist. Graham Leonard Malaghan, Auckland, for services to medical research and philanthropy. Bret Peter Tarrant McKenzie, Wellington, for services to music and film. Peter Joseph McLeavey, Wellington, for services to the arts. Margaret Medlyn, Wellington, for services to opera. 
(more…)
TROILUS & CRESSIDA – NGAKAU TOA’S MAORI THEATER TRIBUTE TO THE BARD WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE IN LONDON
About a year ago I heard a radio interview with The Ngakau Toa Maori Theater company. It was an interview at 11pm at night.
Ngakau Toa (Warriors of Heart) had been specifically asked to consider performing at The 448th birthday of the playwright bard, William Shakespeare. The theater group were keen on performing The Tempest but instead Troilus and Cressida was another play the talented actors will pour themselves into at London’s Globe Theater with verve and authentic Maori pizzazz.
TV3 news notes: “The classical Maori language [version] of the play is very poetic, very bawdy, very prosaic – it’s got all the different forms of the language that Shakespeare uses.”
The first Maori feature film ever created for the silver screen in the Maori language was a tribute nod by director Don Selwyn to Shakespeare’s work in the form of The Maori Merchant of Venice. It is a beautiful Kiwi language film. This news story reminds me of that ground breaking moment of Kiwi entertainment growing remembering the greats who went before us both here in New Zealand and abroad.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 24.4.12~
MAORI CULTURE IS OF INCREASING VALUE TO NEW ZEALAND’S WELL BEING AND ROBUST CREATIVE ECONOMY
Good News in turning the tide towards Maori Kiwis ability to grow New Zeland substantially with substance in the future, particular in fostering healthy culture for all New Zealand youth that encourages a team spirit.
Hot off the press from the New Zealand Herald website: “The acceptance of Maori culture as an important part of New Zealand society will only increase further in the future, history professor Paul Moon says.
According to the Roy Morgan State of the Nation March 2012 report, there has been an upsurge in the number of New Zealanders who consider Maori culture to be an “essential component” of New Zealand society.
In December 2001, 52 per cent of respondents said it was essential, compared to 61 per cent a decade later, although in the past three years the figure has remained steady around the 60 per cent mark. Dr Moon, professor of history at the AUT’s Faculty of Maori Development, said the figure is “bound to” get higher in the future. It’s a demographic fact, a cultural fact and a social maturity fact that increasingly we will begin to see that aspect of the culture as integral to New Zealand society.
Dr Moon said the increase was down to two components – long-term factors such as programmes teaching Te Reo and tikanga Maori, and events which put New Zealand on the world stage, such as the Rugby World Cup.
“The more we are in the international spotlight for an event like the Rugby World Cup, the more the indigenous culture tends to fall under the spotlight.”
Performers and artists such as [the incomparable] singer Tiki Taane who combine traditional Maori culture with contemporary elements also boost acceptance.
“I think that is where the biggest advances are taking place, because there are almost two strands of Maori culture running side by side. When most people think of [Maori culture] they might think of a haka performance, or a hangi, or an event at a marae, that’s the sort we tend to put on for tourists. But there is a whole other dimension of Maori culture, such as Tiki Taane who are mixing traditional elements with more contemporary ones, there are artists, writers, poets, dancers, that whole modern aspect of culture that tends to get sidelined popularly, but are still very important and is gradually making more penetration.”
Paul added: “But certainly if you were to look at New Zealand from an overseas perspective… I think the results would be very high that it is an essential part of the culture. The fact that Maori culture is the indigenous culture and does not appear anywhere else in the world, that adds to its importance.”
Special thanks to the NZH’s Paul Harper who penned this report.
[Demonstrating 'the art of fierce', discipline, teamwork, unity in choreography and the unique expression of the mana, ihi and wehi of our ancestors of New Zealand's legacy of resilient spirit... here's Waiorea with their whakaeke performance item... at the Secondary Schools Nationals 2010- Kapa Haka - Maori Cultural performing arts festival. Their energy makes our identity as Kiwis stronger.].
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 15.3.12~
MATTHEW PERRY PLUS SUPERMAN MEETS HERCULES IN KRISTY SWANSON HELMER “THE WHOLE BANANA” ROM-COM FILM
In Hollywood movie development news: What happens when you cast a Hawaiian Superman with Hercules and a Friends’ cast member, then add Chick Magnet star Kristy Swanson?
You get a movie for potassium deprived gym freak romantics of LA with big overseas Swiss bank account fantasies… that’s what happens! Just kidding. You get a fun movie for still-single grown ups.
In Hollywood Rom Com news: Matthew Perry, Dean Cain, Kristy Swanson and Dominique Swain have joined Kevin Sorbo, Stelio Savante and Jeffrey Vincent Parise in the romantic comedy based on Deb Norton’s play, The Whole Banana. MoreAboutThePlay@TheFinkeHub.
Perry workshopped Deb’s play with his dad John Bennett Perry at West Hollywood’s Court Theater, after Norton’s Ojai ‘Theater 150′ debut went well. The Perrys boardwork in Hollywood was enough to get moviemakers onboard for a film makeover.
In The Whole Banana, Sorbo reinacts a modern day Hercules appearing for Kristy Swanson’s Fran character whose desperately seeking assurance of Herc’s romantic advice in Fran’s journey of love.
Magik Shoppe Pictures are bringing the story to life with Stephen Wallis directing and Perry Sr., Savante and Tom Fox joing him in the producing role.
This is a movie that will be a hit.
[Kristy Swanson photo - IMDB]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 14.2.12~
THE ART OF MAORI GRATITUDE – TE PIRINGA MAORI CULTURAL GROUP REFLECT KWI SPIRIT IN SONG
We have been gifted so much in New Zealand to be thankful for.
It’s almost Waitangi day. What I love about Maori culture is that Maori are incredibly grateful people who have never fogotten what our founding fathers and mothers of New Zealand gifted us all as Kiwi citizens in a land of abundance and plenty.
Here’s Te Piringa Maori cultural group in full expression of this gracious spirit of gratitude singing a Waiata Tira (a Choral) in Te Reo Rangatira (the Maori language of New Zealand) with lyrics that translate to:
Give thanks with a grateful heart… Now let the weak say I am strong… because of what The Lord has done.
Mauri ‘Ola New Zealand. And happy Waitangi Day celebrations. It is the day where all New Zealanders celebrate our Kiwi dream of fairness, justice, joy in a land of abundance gifted to us for a purpose mightier than ourselves in a moment. Our Aotearoa New Zealand legacy stretches far into the future of prosperity because we have such wise leaders at the helm who seek and endeavor to be just respecting all that our founding fathers gave us from our rich heritage. That legacy must and will outlast us all for this is our story as citizens of New Zealand. For the potential in this dream of a strong New Zealand future, I give thanks today too. Peace!
And don’t Te Piringa all have such beautiful Kiwi smiles. :)
[This must be about the 6th time, I've played this waiata (song) on horiwood.com now. It's a beauty].
~Polynesia Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 5.2.12~
MARTIAL ARTS – MAORI POI GIRLS AND DOUBLE CHUCKS BOY
The Maori Poi dance of Aotearoa New Zealand is all about the unison of teamwork in cultural expression as authentic, living, indigenous theater – New Zealanders are very proud of.
The glowing double chucks is all about “look at me the individual” at a dance party setting.
Both are cool in their own glowing way. Watch.
[Featured Kapa Haka Roopu - Turanga Tane, Turanga Wahine]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 1.2.12~
HOLLYWOOD RED CARPET THEATER – ANGELINA JOLIE ON HAVING A FULL LIFE
“I think the most important thing is to have a very full life,” was the advice Angelina Jolie gave up-and-coming aspiring actors at Hollywood’s Screen Actors Guild Awards 2012.
That – and know how to work a red carpet. Incidentally, a full life involves all of the other gifts you develop, perhaps outside of Hollywood, for the world. Hollywood however provides a unique platform to showcase these gifts from.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Aoteaoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 30.1.12~
PETER WILLIAMS, SHANE BOSHER, THE POGUES, KIRSTY McCOLL – KIWI CHRISTMAS CARD 2011
One of the cool things being back in New Zealand for Christmas after living in the USA for 5 years, is that veteran broadcasters are still rocking along.
That means that local TV has people who are familiar on it & they do provide a sense of home. Well, the best ones.
Here’s a Christmas Carol we like in New Zealand as recommended on telly this am, by sports mad news anchor Peter Williams.
Music – The Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl with Fairy Tale of New York. A classic! Peter’s latest round of outside-of-the-box press follows. As does Shane Bosher‘s:
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 21.12.11~
VACLAV HAVEL, LEADER OF THE CZECH VELVET REVOULTION DIES, 75
FT.Com has written a good article about The Velvet Revolution Leader. Click here to read.
Václav Havel, the gifted playwright, philosopher who rose to become the president of the Czech Republic, died yesterday aged 75. Although communism was on the cusp of collapsing without his help, in 1989 his country cast him to play a central role post the collapse of Soviet dominance in the turning of tables and Czechoslovakia’s winds of change.
An intellectual, Havel was instrumental in shaping and facilitating freedom’s new expressions in his country’s emerging culture in the years that followed. He was an artistic dissident.
Havel maintained principled leadership in direct contrast to the staunch communist regime that had become ensconced into his nation’s systems og government and the psyches of the then Czech Republic when the tyranny of the 1968 Soviet-led invasion froze Czech peoples’ lives, laws and culture from evolving in a way that the Czech people had self-determined.
Consequently, living through these experiences made Havel the eastern European nonconformist he loved being.
Eloquence was his friend in providing balance. He was even a sceptical celebrant of the freedoms brought by the anti-communist revolts – ensuring his people were not seduced into trading one form of fanaticism for another.
As a leader he was paradoxical. This however, seemed to work for the Czech people. He believed in: maintaining the fundamental human traits in just democracy, of a desire to speak the truth. He also believed that life and death are in the power of the tongue (or more succinctly, life is contained in the words we choose to speak or share or propagate). He constantly was aware of the power of words and taught his people to be watchful in word choices and rhetoric. In other words, he was a man of Peace.
For the man who was once a black-listed and banned writer, the treasury of truth as conveyed through wise words was the only armory that Havel needed to lead. He had little faith in other kinds of weapons, perhaps denoting how secure he was in truth’s ability to protect and defend his people.
The Velvet Revolution was about “you shall know again truth’s freedom and the truth shall set you free.”
His life’s example stands as a witness of his peoples freedom in the struggle against dominance that came at the hands of the Soviets. He was the unlikely writer who was chosen to be the leader of Czechoslovakia’s “Velvet” revolution.
Havel’s legacy is living proof when it came to politics and leadership, that the words of William Shakespeare may well have been correct when Shakespeare famously wrote, “all the world is a stage.”
Havel fulfilled this brief as a playwright and intelligent leader. What a guy!
RIP.
New Zealand’s news coverage of Havel’s legacy has been beautifully eloquent watching it on the box.
[Paraphrased via FT.Com. Photo courtesy of FT.Com also].
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 20.12.11~
AROHANUI -PART 2 – MAORI CULTURE STAGE SHOW
Part Two of the artists bringing you traditional Maori culture, adapted in the form of a stage show, Arohanui, can be viewed above.
So creative, unique and awesome! There’s no other culture quite like it.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 8.12.11~
AROHANUI MUSICAL THEATER SHOWCASE PUTS MAORI CULTURE ON DISPLAY
Annette Wehi shines in this stage production of Arohanui.
Take a look at the wonders of traditional Maori theater, adapted to the stage.
Totally otherworldy!
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 7.12.11~
KEISHA CASTLE-HUGHES TREADS THEATER’S BOARDS IN END OF THE GOLDEN WEATHER, A PLAY
Alright, here in Aotearoa New Zealand, the nation’s sweetheart of the silver screen is Keisha Castle-Hughes - a working mom and past Oscars nominee.
What’s Keisha up to? Like Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame, Keisha is currently treading Theater’s boards in a play, End of The Golden Weather. According to, an NZ.Govt website:
“Young Geoff is a daydreamer with a burning ambition to be a famous writer. Through his eyes we see the wonder of life on a perfect beach, in a perfect 1930s New Zealand, during a perfect summer. It’s a world of magic and transformation, where anything can happen and miracles seem possible.
Firpo is a social outcast who dreams of winning an Olympic medal. When Geoff sets out to help Firpo make his dream a reality, ignoring his father’s rebukes and community ridicule, a battle rages between the eternal optimism of the child and the harsh pragmatism of adulthood.
Gliding effortlessly between flights of poetic fancy and blunt everyday speech, The End of the Golden Weather is iconic New Zealand storytelling at its very best, a poignant theatrical gem that everyone can relate to.”
I just might go to this. To see a Hollywood-Maori living legend perform live doesn’t get much better in theater than that in NZ, that’s for sure. Go Auckland Theatre Company! :)
Keisha stars with actor Nic Samson - from the comedy band Guns N Moses.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 6.9.11~
