Takurua Cooks Up Excitement in Tāmaki Makaurau!

Published: Friday 4 August, 2023

The creative team behind Takurua - Ti'iti'i Sacred Knowledge have been all over the media to discuss their upcoming cultural extravaganza in the Viaduct Events Centre.

Takurua - Ti'iti'i Sacred Knowledge, an immersive experience which celebrates food and art by bringing both Pasifika dance and culture to the stage while also delivering a five-course banquet which connects the story to their guests. The banquet is prepared by world-class chefs Tausani Simei-Papali'i and Wallace Mua-Frost from Waiheke's Mudbrick vineyard. 

Simei-Papali'i told the New Zealand Herald, the authentic Pasifika cuisine will compliment the storyline of the performance and transport the audience from Auckland's vibrant waterfront to a beautiful Samoan fale by using indigenous cuisine to support the story.

Producer, Kolopa Simei-Barton, told Laura Tupou at the AM Show that this show has something for everyone. From bawling your eyes out, to hyena cackling, everyone "who loves theatre, storytelling and dining will enjoy it and follow along with it."

Chef Frost told Stuff that “Adding the drama of the theatre elevates and awakens all senses” to allow audiences to learn about Polynesia's culture through their meals. 

Mai FM got a sneak peak into the rehearsal studio and showed how the exploration of Pasifika identity, culture and comedy can be share with people outside their community while also giving audiences a little look at what's on the menu.

Simei-Papali'i said this event is for everyone, not just the Māori and Pacific community. "You don't have to be Māori or Pacific to eat our food. We would love for you to eat our food just so you can understand us a bit more."

 

Elemental AKL celebrates the best arts, eats and beats of Tāmaki Makaurau from 20 July – 13 August. Find out more at elementalakl.co.nz.

 

Adding the drama of the theatre elevates and awakens all senses.