AWHI TAPU (CIRCA STUDIO)

Documentation of play ‘Awhi Tapu’ written by Albert Belz, directed by Nathaniel Lees performed at Circa Studio, Wellington.

“At the foot of the Urewera ranges lies Awhi Tapu - a desolate forestry village. With the forestry industry closed down, most have left - Wendyl, Sonny, Casper and Girl Girl have only each other and their fertile imaginations to rely on. Awhi Tapu is a story of loss, belonging, but most of all, friendship; it heralds a new wave of writing around Maori issues and characters; direct, unsentimental and challenging. His second work for the stage, Awhi Tapu brought Belz to national attention in 2003, and a subsequent North Island tour with Taki Rua Productions sold out with audiences and reviewers praising the play's power, vitality and emotional punch. Awhi Tapu also received an award from The Human Rights Commission for its "positive contribution towards harmonious race relations  - a marvellous story, presented with humour, passion, pathos and hope”.