'Out the Gate' is Theatre Marae stage production informed by the TIAKI rangahau findings and part of the ongoing work of Māori theatre company, Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu, blurring the lines between research, performance, and lnks to Te Rākau pedagogy and public kōrero.
In 2025, Te Rākau toured the lower-North Island with 'Out the Gate', leading deep reactions, thinking and conversation from audience members about the role of prisons, the promises made to tamariki (to keep them safe and well and loved), the impacts when these promises are broken, and what a better future might look like.
Listen to episode 5
We mentioned Theatre Marae in episode 4, but in episode 5 of the the pod we take a closer look into the creation of Out the Gate: the behind the scenes processes, what it was like for some of the cast and crew to be part of the production, and reflections after Out the Gate's run ended.
There are many highlights in this episode, but we are especially grateful to be able to share some audio from the performances, including four beautiful waiata performed by the cast, composed by Helen Pearse-Otene, Hariata Moriarty and classical guitarist Rameka Tamaki (also the instrumentalist).
This episode has interviews with Helen Pearse-Otene (Kaituhi/Playwright), Jim Moriarty (Kaitohu/Director), Tānemahuta Gray (Choreographer), Regan Taylor (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) and cast members Ace Goff, Saulo Kolio, Jimole Cremin and Kawa Koliavu.
The supporting zine for this week’s episode includes stunning photos from rehearsals and performances of 'Out the Gate' by Stephen A'Court | Te Rākau, with beautiful cover design by Lisa Maule. The photos are paired with quotes from the episode. And the zine includes a full cast and crew list.
No generative AI was used in the creation of the zine or any part of the TIAKI podcast.
This episode was hosted by Paula Toko King and Gabrielle Baker and features segments from interviews with Helen Pearse-Otene, Jim Moriarty, Tānemahuta Gray, Regan Taylor, Ace Goff, Saulo Kolio, Jimole Cremin and Kawa Koliavu.
The podcast was recorded at Tīhei Rangatahi, Wainuiomata. Snow Chase was our sound tech.
The podcast music – ‘He kōrero nui tō ngākau’/Your heart has an important story’ was composed by Paula Toko King and Nona King. Taonga puoro, piano soundboard, and piano performed by Paula Toko King and Nona King. Additional bird calls by korimako and pīwakawaka. The music was also recorded by Snow Chase.
The performances and waiata you hear in this podcast were all performed and created by Te Rākau and its members.
You can find out more about Te Rākau on its website: https://www.terakau.org/
Pearse-Otene, H. (2020). Theatre Marae: Māori theatre pedagogy in research. MAI Journal, 9(3),227–237. Link here
Pearse-Otene, H. (2021). Decolonising theatre and ensemble training in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu Theatre. Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 12(1),95–111. Link here
