Simulating Glow-worms

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31116, 20 July 1966, Page 19

Simulating Glow-worms

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 18. Illuminated pois will be used by members of the cast of a Maori opera to simulate the glow-worms of Waitomo Caves. The chairman of the New Zealand Maori Theatre Trust (Mr P. Keiha) said that the caves featured prominently in the setting of the opera the trust had chosen for its first production. The script for the production, “Uenuku,” was written by the noted Maori scholar, Mr Pei Te Hurunui Jones, of Taumarunui. Mr Keiha described it as a mythical folk opera and said the score had been composed and arranged by Mr Paul Katene in collaboration with Mr Thomas Taurima, both of Wellington.

Mr Katene was considered by many to be the foremost arranger of Maori music in New Zealand, said Mr Keiha. He was responsible for the musical arrangements of a number of performances two years ago. Mr Taurima had for four years been attached to the Hawaii cultural village as cultural adviser on the Maori section. A great deal of thought had been given to means of simulating the glow-worms, as an important scene took place in the caves. “We feel the idea of using illuminated pois is a good one and that they will provide an impressive background to the scene involved,” Mr Keiha said. Auditions would soon be held for casting purposes and about 40 people would be required. Already the trust had arranged preliminary rehearsals with 15 Maori singers who lived in the Wellington district

The trust applied to the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council for some financial assistance. Tins would be considered by the council's music committee early next month.