Te Tupua The Goblin
A solo play written and performed by John G Davies
A Scottish sailor is shipwrecked on the coast of Aotearoa; the year is 1815. Captured by a Māori hapu he lives as a slave, a warrior, and a husband. It is a fight for survival, and such occurrences are present in the historical records and the oral histories of Iwi Māori.
John G Davies has 50 years of experience as a writer, director and actor and combines extensive research and intercultural theatre practice into a dynamic solo performance that has captured and inspired the hearts of audiences throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
This play is suitable for ages 10 and up.
Audience response
“Stunning acting, powerful messaging, startling ability to master a bilingual, multi-character role. So impressive.” Audience member – Christchurch
“The intercultural made it very beautiful because that’s who we actually are.” Audience member – Kerikeri
“Tonight, I learned something about myself that I didn’t even know. Thank you.” Audience member – Cromwell
Billing
John G Davies | Writer and Performer
Mokonuiarangi Smith | Mask design
Michelle Scullion | Music
Acknowledgements
The production would like to acknowledge the support and guidance of the following people:
Haare Williams | Kaiwhakahaere script and character
Piri Rewa |Te reo Māori translations
Heneti Hammond | Waiata composition
Michele Hine & Steven Ray | Performance consultants
MEDIA AND REVIEW LINKS:
“A bracing dive into our collective history and imagination” – John Anderson
https://www.theatreview.org.nz/reviews/review.php?id=12911
“Energy is high throughout” – Hannah Molloy
https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/te-tupua-the-goblin/#energy-is-high-throughout
“Intense fast-paced tale of early Aotearoa” – Matt Keene
https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/te-tupua-the-goblin/#energy-is-high-throughout
Davies is an experienced practitioner in devised theatre, a storyteller and risk taker – Gail Pittaway Waikato Times 2003
https://www.johngdavies.nz/te-tupua-reviews
Radio Interviews
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/audio/2018957068/bookmarks-with-john-davies