An expertly crafted solo performance, delivered by a veteran of the New Zealand stage. John Davies inhabits nine characters, bringing to life an extraordinary corner of our history.
A Scottish lad of 10 is driven into slavery aboard his Majesties ships, circa 1800. After 15 years at sea, he is cast onto the shoreline of Aotearoa.
The fight for survival begins. The occurrences within the play are based in historical evidence, and yet this tattooed Pakeha remains a potent figure in today’s political climate.
Ka whakahokia a Tupua he kōrero ia Whakarongo ki te tangi ra kua pahemo.
Te Tupua will come and speak, Listen to this cry from the past. Haere mai Te Tupua
John studied the art of acting at Toi Whakaari – The New Zealand Drama School. Following his training he went on to perform for 10 years with Red Mole Enterprises in New Zealand, Mexico, the U.S.A and England. In 1984 he made the first of four study trips to the Kongoh Noh Theatre in Kyoto and has subsequently presented four original Noh Plays as director of the New Zealand Noh Theatre Company. The performer is, a cross between an historian, and a storyteller.
