The Motuhake Series: I AM SPECIAL
International performer, Justin Haiu, who performed in our show No Strings Attached, created the first instalment of the Motuhake series, Motuhake: I Am Special. It was adapted from his successful Aotea performances.
The themes were caring, sharing, learning, and resilience.
The 45 minute show used Pacific Island humour, interactive rap, and acapella.
The four performers and our resident drama therapist, Maxine Donnellan, facilitated a 1 hour workshop with 20 children before each show. The children were then incorporated into the show and performed in front of the school. The school choose the children for the workshop. They may have been selected because they are “different”, creatively able, or because they were having a rough go of it and would benefit from the mana and fun of taking part.
The season ran from the 16th March - 2nd of April 2015.
2020/2021 Reboot
In 2020 & 2021, The Motuhake Series: I Am Special has been rebooted, elevated, and toured around schools in the Auckland region, as well as many theatres across the country. Due to COVID-19 however, some shows have had to be postponed until further notice.
“The Motuhake Series: I Am Special is a highly interactive and magical show for children and families. This story is set in an imaginary world where the main character gets spooked as he journeys through adventures and finds puppets that come to life. Through this he discovers the special talents that only he and the puppets have. These talents are made even more special when they explore sharing them with others. It is an adventure story about friendship, sharing and unity. It shows how working together and using our many different talents, we can make the whole stronger and more special - very apt for the times we find ourselves in. He waka eke noa. All working together as one.”
