Taki Rua Theatre - Breaking Barriers

Taki Rua was, and continues to be, a place where my voice was valued.

– Actor and playwright Jason Te Kare on Taki Rua

Ko te tīmatatanga o tēnei kiriata, e pā ana ki ngā kaitiakitanga o ngā tūpuna o ngā wā o-mua i te whare tapere, arā, a Tungia Baker, Rona Bailey, Keri Kaa, Wi Kuki Kaa. Mā rātou hei tiaki, hei whawhai mō tētahi ara mō mātou ngā rangatahi. Ko taku wawata i tēnei, mā te kiriata nei hei tiaki, hei kaitiaki mō ngā rangatahi ināianei. Koirā te mea nunui ki ahau. / The film is about those guardians of theatre, Tungia Baker, Rona Bailey, Keri Kaa, Wi Kuki Kaa. They fought to provide an avenue for us as a rangatahi and it is hoped that this film will be like a guardian for rangatahi of today. That is my main hope.

– Director Whetū Fala talks about the film, Te Ao Māori News, 5 August 2024

Biculturalism has turned our people into servants.

– Actor Tina Cook debates the idea of a bicultural Aotearoa

It’s just fun to see all these wonderful actors, directors and with their kaumātua up on screen – Keri Kaa, Tūngia Baker, Wi Kuki Kaa, Rona Bailey.. it’s kind of back to the future because many of the things that they speak about in the film, are occurring right now.

– Director Whetū Fala on her 2024 documentary Taki Rua Theatre- Breaking Barriers, Waata Radio, 1 February 2024

Our role in the arts is changing...and not always comfortable change.

– Performer Mika (Neil Gudsell) on Māori artists challenging ideas and beliefs