Tawhi Thomas

Tawhi, a playwright, actor, director, and educator from Aotearoa New Zealand, embarked on a long journey to Rotterdam for a two-week creative residency at Tante Nino. This experience culminated in a live performance of his experimental theatre solo Collisions, Sparks and Light. Ngā Tutuki, Ngā Māpura, Ki te Whaiao, Ki te Ao Mārama on May 19 2024.

We sat down with Tawhi to hear about his experience:

What was the goal of your residency?

"As the lead performer and writer, I wanted to weave together fragmented ideas and sources, testing them in front of a live audience for the first time. I collaborated with a young local visual designer and technical operator to bring this project to life."

How did it feel to perform outside of New Zealand?

"It was both exhilarating and daunting. I was especially curious about how an audience unfamiliar with indigenous Māori traditions would engage with the work.

The performance explored themes of mental health, the climate crisis, and personal narratives, intertwined with the Māori creation story of Ranginui and Papatuanuku. It also referenced New Zealand’s rugby culture and the impact of toxic gender roles."

How did the audience respond?

"The response was overwhelmingly positive. The audience, diverse in background, reacted with curiosity and enthusiasm, reinforcing the universal resonance of the themes I explored. This experience has inspired me to expand the piece into a full-length solo performance, for which I am now seeking support back in Aotearoa."

What was a highlight of your time at Tante Nino?

"A highlight was collaborating with Willem Jahne, a talented young designer and technical operator whom I had known as a child. Our reunion and creative partnership embodied the Māori concept of whānaungatanga—a deep sense of kinship and connection—which added a profound layer of meaning to this residency."

What’s next for you?

"As I move forward with developing this project, I carry with me the lessons, encouragement, and cross-cultural dialogue sparked during my time in Rotterdam. Creative residencies like this not only offer space to experiment but also foster unexpected and meaningful collaborations that leave a lasting impact."