Hohepa

OPERA: NEW ZEALAND

WORLD PREMIERE

The human story behind New Zealand’s early settlement history is brought vividly to life in Hōhepa, an ambitious new opera by acclaimed New Zealand composer Jenny McLeod.

Presented by The NBR New Zealand Opera and the New Zealand International Arts Festival, Hōhepa is the story of friendship between the Māori chief Hōhepa Te Umuroa and a Pākehā settler during the turbulent time of the 1840s land wars.

Spanning the 19th century to the 1980s, it represents more than a decade of extensive research by McLeod, based on recorded, personal and oral histories. The result is a warm and at times humorous opera, epic yet very human at heart.

General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera Aidan Lang says: “In the early days of our discussions with Jenny, we envisaged Hōhepa as being a chamber opera. Now, through the support of the New Zealand International Arts Festival, we are thrilled to be able to present Hōhepa on a much larger scale, to incorporate kapa haka, as well as a large cast of singers, and to do justice to this important New Zealand story.”

The opera was showcased at the Festival’s Show and Tell sessions in 2008. “Any work, whether intricate or operatic in scale, needs longevity to develop to its full potential,” says Festival Artistic Director Lissa Twomey. “New, New Zealand works of this scale are exactly the kind of production the Festival looks to present. It’s a real cause for celebration.”

Hōhepa features an outstanding cast. Returning from the UK to sing the title role is The NBR New Zealand Opera’s PwC Dame Malvina Major Young Artist, Phillip Rhodes. Alongside him are fellow New Zealanders Jonathan Lemalu, Jenny Wollerman, Rāwiri Paratene, Martin Snell, Deborah Wai Kapohe, Eddie Muliaumaseali’i and Nicky Spence. A further nine singers take the remaining roles and form the ensemble.

Hōhepa is directed by Sara Brodie, assisted by Teina Moetara (who is also Cultural Advisor) and Taiaroa Royal (choreographer). The design team includes Tony de Goldi (set and costumes), Louise Potiki Bryant (video) and Jeremy Fern (lighting). Hōhepa will be accompanied by players from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, conducted by Marc Taddei.

Hōhepa is at the Opera House from 15 to 18 March as part of the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington, 24 February – 18 March. Tickets $48 – $108 available from Ticketek.

SUNG IN ENGLISH AND MĀORI

ENDS

With support from Creative New Zealand and NBR New Zealand Opera