Meremere

Overview

Intertwining documentary-style footage, projection, live music and movement, Meremere is the autobiography of internationally acclaimed dancer Rodney Bell (Ngati Maniapoto). Running at Circa Theatre between 22–30 June, it is the brainchild of multi-disciplinary collective Movement of the Human.

After a motorbike accident left him paralysed from the waist down, Bell established himself within physically integrated dance. This contemporary style combines people with and without physical disabilities. Bell stamps his mark on it further by merging traditional Māori culture to create a truly unique creative perspective.

A founding member of Auckland-based physical integrated dance company Touch Compass Dance Company, Bell moved to California in 2007 where he was a principle dancer for AXIS Dance Company until 2012.

This inspirational story tracks Bell's rise to fame, years of homelessness in the States and his return home to Te Kuiti.

Theatre-goers will be able to see Bell himself perform along with a host of collaborators. Rowan Pierce (Glass Vaults) will be providing audio-visual accompaniment, with music by composer Eden Mulholland. Tickets range between $25-46 and are available on the Circa Theatre website.

Image: Tom Hoyle, Meremere.