As part of Kia Mau Festival’s He Ngaru Nui programme, this is the new work from writer, director and creator Nathan Joe.

Welcome to
A Short History of Asian New Zealand Theatre
A retrospective and history lesson in 10 Exercises
A performance lecture
A personal essay with many persons
An epic poem spanning the last 30 years (or so)
An essay within an essay within a...
A sometimes linear
Sometimes non-linear
Chronology of events
Of feelings, of thoughts
After all, history like memory, is fragmentary, elliptical, untrustworthy
But worth searching for

An Asian performer is tasked with the mission to deliver a presentation on Asian New Zealand theatre history while riding a stationary bicycle. Performance essay meets spin class.

A Premiere Season in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, A Short History of Asian New Zealand Theatre is presented by Punctum Productions, a vehicle for self-determination for Asian Artists in Aotearoa.

Content warnings include M Rated, strong language, mention of racialised violence and slight strobing effect.

He Ngaru Nui is more than just a collection of performances—it is a bold statement about the value and significance of Indigenous narratives. These shows take stories that sometimes feel small, intimate, or unheard, and amplify them on the grand stages they deserve. This programming strand honours the storytelling traditions of Māori, Pasifika and global indigenous cultures, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary performance. It’s about taking stories from our communities and sharing them with the world in a way that is both respectful and revolutionary.

Kia Mau Festival is at the forefront of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous arts in Aotearoa and beyond. We are innovators—pushing boundaries, redefining forms, and forging new paths with creative risk-taking at every step.Right here, right now, we bring together local, national, and international artists in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. We find the intersection where our stories intertwine, creating an experience that is uniquely 'local' yet unparalleled in Pōneke throughout the year.

Kia Mau Festival offers a truly unique experience, led by Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous voices at every level—from our leadership to our artists and audiences. Unlike any other festival, we are not just a platform for presentations; we are a hub for kōrero and whanaungatanga.

A Short History of Asian New Zealand Theatre

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