Te Tupua – The Goblin, is an entertaining and confronting solo play with clever use of a mask that conjures up spirits from the past.

The author and performer, John Davies, celebrates 50 years as a theatre practitioner. After training at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School he joined Red Mole Theatre and for 10 years travelled and performed with that infamous troupe. He has been trained in traditional acting technique, Greek chorus and poetic writing, Noh Theatre and Capoeira. John has made a significant commitment to learning te reo Māori and is an avid amateur historian, particularly the history of Aotearoa. All of these factors have a presence in this solo work. John knows theatre to be a place of spirits and imagination, a place where we allow the doors of perception to open wider, and notions of spirituality and inspiration enter our experience. The ancient Greek drama and the Japanese Noh Theatre continue to inspire and guide his work.

The period of the early 19th century in Aotearoa was dynamic. Māori were becoming aware they were no longer alone, that other races from the north were coming. Pākeha who lived here at the time forged an existence on Māori terms and the recorded experiences are vivid, fraught with danger and yet these stories reveal deep alliances, friendships, marriages and hard-won loyalties. This play is drawn from those histories, and the central character is an amalgam of the experiences of some of those who lived here at that time.

John has a steadfast dedication to the stories of Aotearoa, both contemporary and historical. He believes drama is an ancient devise that draws an audience into a common experience and then catharsis unites and informs. This is the role of drama and this play, performed very simply with three props and a whole heap of energy, is like being with a traditional storyteller from the days of the communal fire. John sees theatre as an unchanging phenomenon and to quote him “ When I go out into that space, the stage, I feel connected to all the ancient storytellers, to the people who imitate, embody, project, and summon their life force to engage their audience. That’s me, I’m one of those.”

With deep thanks and appreciation for the support and guidance of the following people.

Mokonui a Rangi Smith. Mask design
Michelle Scullion. Music
Haare Williams, kaiwhakahaere script and character
Piri Rewa, te reo Māori translations
Heniti Hammond, waiata composition
Pedro Ilgenfritz, mask construction
Steven Ray, performance advisor