The yellow brick road now leads to South Auckland
• April 18, 2025
The cast bonds, ready to represent their families and communities. Photo: Antonia Dickie
A South Auckland performing arts troupe is set to take the stage with a Pasifika-flavoured take on an old classic.
The Wizard of Otāhuhu will be performed at the Māngere Arts Centre this week, with its Māori and Pasifika cast embracing the opportunity to tell stories on their own terms.
The dynamic music and dance show is based on the beloved tale The Wizard of Oz but with a local twist – it's set in South Auckland.
Director and producer Troy Tu’ua says many people wanted to be a part of the arts but didn’t know where to start.
“The idea behind the initiative was to find a way to connect the stage we have here with the community.”
THE POSTER IMAGE FOR THE WIZARD OF OTĀHUHU. PHOTO: ANTONIA DICKIE
Daedae TeKoronga Waka, of Ngāpuhi, Tainui, Mangaian, and Maukean descent and cast as the Witch of the West, says: “I want Pasifika and Māori people to see what we're doing and know that they can be part of it too.
“I also want them to feel that nothing can stop us from telling our stories, by us, for us.”
Tu’ua says the show is designed to not only tell stories but to develop the next generation of Pasifika and Māori performers.
“The show features five to six professional actors, who are joined by members of the local community to complete the cast.
“We do this so aspiring young actors can learn and grow alongside them.
“We also invite agencies to opening night to help these emerging performers take the next step in their acting pathways.”
The Wizard of Otāhuhu cast in rehearsal in the lead-up to opening night. Photo: Antonia Dickie
The Wizard of Otāhuhu’s opening and closing shows have sold out.
Māngere local, Ana Manuopangai, says the response speaks volumes.
“Having a show where a South Auckland audience can see their own language, slang and experiences is something worth celebrating.”
Tu’ua also hopes the show opens minds, especially around the idea of pursuing the arts as a career.
“It’s a constant battle for a lot of young Māori and Pasifika, who are amazing in the arts, but their parents don’t think it’s a real job,” he says.
LISTEN: Troy Tu’ua on why the arts are important for young Pasifika and Māori talent.
The opening show of The Wizard of Otāhuhu is on Saturday, April 19 at 7pm.
