Join us at Te Pou Theatre for a special one-off playreading of The Visitors by award-winning Muruwari (Indigenous Australian) author and playwright Jane Harrison, as part of Kōanga Festival 2024. The Visitors is an audacious, earthy, funny, gritty, and powerful re-imagining of a crucial moment in Australia’s history. This play will be read by a an expert team of Māori performers following an indigenous exchange wānanga Our Stories Your People.
THE VISITORS nā Jane Harrison
On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made. A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?
Having recently been awarded Best Mainstage Production and Best Ensemble at the 2023 Sydney Theatre Awards, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s THE VISITORS is at once a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history, and a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.
The play will be read by Māori performing artists following an Our Stories, Your People international Indigenous exchange. Leading Māori theatre makers come together with Moogahlin Productions to share in this reeciprocal exchange.
Tickets for all Kōanga shows are available here.
Kaituhi | Writer
(Muruwari)
Artistic Director Moogahlin Theatre
(Murriwarri & Ngemba)
Kaiwhakaari
Kaiwhakaari
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
Kōanga Season Pass
Don’t want to miss anything this Kōanga Festival? For the first time EVER we’ve created season passes! Check out the details…
$180 Taumata Pass | Access to all ticketed Kōanga events
$90 Kōuru Pass | Access to our Tokomanawa main bills: Rutene Spooner’s Be Like Billy? Ngā Rorirori & Neke
$60 Mahuri Pass | Access to new works: Both Play Readings & Māori Krishna + AltarNative
General Tickets
$40 Tīkiti Tautoko | This unsubsidised ticket price supports Te Pou Theatre
$20 Tīkiti Ngākau Hihiko (Early Bird)
$25 Pakeke (Adult)
$20 Kaumatua (Senior) | Gold Card may be required
$20 Hapori (Community services card holders/ Equity members) | Community services card and Equity card may be required
$20 Rangatahi/Tamaiti
$20 Rōpū (6+) | When booking 6 groups or more
If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
There is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus and train links arrive at Henderson Transport Centre, which is within walking distance to our whare. Check the public transport route in your area to plan your trip.
Follow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The Te Kōpua foyer, bar, kauta and pae tīkiti will be open 1 hour before show time. Our Bar serves a full range of beverages (non alcoholic and alcoholic) and snacks.
Our Kauta will be open for tasty bites before the show including steamed hāngī buns from The Hāngī Master, a vegetarian platter and a selection from ‘I Love Pies’.
🎟️ Our Pae Tīkiti (Box Office) will be open for ticket sales and pick ups.
Note: We no longer accept cash payments but welcome all major cards and paywave.
Our whare is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
To ensure you have the best visiting experience, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz about your access needs so we can anticipate your visit.
Please note, your walker will need to be stored away during the performance so that it’s not a trip hazard to other patrons. An usher will return your walker to you whenever you need it.
Service animals are welcome at our whare. If you’re bringing a service animal to an event, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz before your visit so we can anticipate your arrival.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.