10 Steps to Downstage with Maaka Pohatu

Posted by downstage on 12/07/2010

Maaka is one of the Faces to Watch in our new season brochure, and with good reason. He was last featured at Downstage in Taki Rua's Strange Resting Places, and we're delighted to have him back for Mark Twain and Me In Maoriland.

Which piece of theatre has had the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?

There's been quite a few that have had significant impact on me throughout my life so far; Far Side Of The Moon - Robert LePage; Penumbra - Toi Whakaari 2004 and Strange Resting Places - Taki Rua Productions.

Far Side Of The Moon taught me so much about the transformative qualities of theatre and the importance of 'lightness' or ease and simplicity in execution. Penumbra gave me my first insight into the intricacies of devising theatre and how truly satisfying and challenging it is to make work of that scale with a big ensemble. Strange Resting Places has been hugely significant to me in terms of the level of investment involved in devising and touring a story with that much heart and mana and for so long also; 3 years and running.

Where are you based?

Currently based in Dunedin.

What inspired you to do this show?

The calibre of the people involved - both in front of and behind the scenes. Amongst whom are some of the most wonderfully random and obscurely witty people I know who happen to be my closest friends. Not only are they very talented they are well experienced in making theatre. That and my huge aroha and loyalty to Taki Rua.

What are you reading at the moment?

At this very moment I am reading the computer screen whilst I am typing this segment and checking for spelling mistakes haha.

Got any stage related blooper/ prank stories?

Yup. Swapped my blank piece of paper on my prop clipboard with a prop Penthouse magazine that was part of the show, opened it to the centrefold and played out the scene which went something like:

Me - " Now, tell me what you think of these figures? " (pass him the prank clipboard)
G - (peruses prank clipboard... pretty much loses it) " Nice, if you'll excuse me I'm going to go over these figures in my office."

It was just a tech run so it didn't disrupt a performance, Director loved my prank though haha

Cat or Dog person?

I like both.

Favourite holiday destination and why?

So far? Singapore. Mmmm humidity...

If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

Bruce Lee, Yip Man and Morihei Ueshiba - to train and speak philosophically with concerning life, spirituality and the martial arts.

Sell your show to us in 15 words or less

Surreal. Poignant. Offensive. Funny - very funny. Intricate. Generous. Disturbing. Confrontational. Delicate. Brave. Obscure. Detailed. Intense.