Works to make you think, contemplate, yearn for more

Potaka Nautilus and Pepe - Good Company Arts
Dunedin Arts Festival
Glenroy Auditorium
Saturday, March 29

If I could simply say this work was amazing, that would be my review done.

From the very start it was utterly stunning. Opening with a beautiful karakia, we knew this would be something special.

Good Company Arts produced an unforgettable evening of not just dance and cinematic innovation, but also other-worldly musicianship from incredibly talented taonga pouro artists (Mahina Kingi-Kaui, Ariana Tikao, Dr Ruby Solly and Alastair Fraser), who performed live alongside both pieces.

The purerehua in particular is always something that hits me in the feels.

Gentle and meditative was how it was described by the artistic director, Daniel Belton, as he introduced the work ahead of the performance and that is exactly what it was. At times I was torn between watching the gorgeous dancers (Amit Noy, Christina Guieb, Airu Matsuda, Samara Reweti and Taane Mete) and the musicians.

Do you sit and listen, with eyes closed or watch? I was torn.

Tikao was not only expert in her instruments, but her vocals were haunting and deeply moving.

Potaka Nautilus centred around digital shells with several chambers that the dancers performed within virtually: magical and mesmerising.

With gorgeous visuals of our country spliced with the dance sequences, Potaka Nautilus took us on a journey of reflection — it certainly was a voyage.

Mete closing out this piece was outstanding; his graceful and thoughtful movements are always a pleasure to witness — a true bastion of the contemporary dance world.

The second work we were privileged to see was Pepe - centred on a solo performer.

Encased in a chrysalis or cocoon with a hope of what lies ahead, the dancer (another undeniable talent, Nancy Wijohn), took us on yet another journey where the life cycle and existence were front and centre.

Both pieces are inherently intertwined with the human cycle and what that could or might be and where that could lead it.

Gentle and meditative indeed, calming and restorative, too.

These two works are more than simply art, they make you think and contemplate.

The Glenroy was the perfect space for this performance, the acoustics perfectly enhanced the musicians.

And to end the night with a waiata, such a small gesture, but a hugely touching one.

How has it been eight years since Good Company Arts has done anything in Dunedin? Please don’t let it be another eight is all I’m asking.