Berea, Ky. (11/08/02): The Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand will perform at Berea College on Thursday, Nov. 14, beginning at 8 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel.

With native song and dance, Kahurangi will present aspects of their Maori culture. Their performance will bridge the past and the present with genealogical chants that trace family history back to “time immemorial,” martial arts techniques that span generations and songs that express their cultural pride and personal conviction. The Maori were the first humans, possibly the first mammals to inhabit New Zealand. They hunted the giant, ostrich-like Moa bird to extinction. “Maori” is a derivation of Moriori, an earlier name for the Polynesians, which means Moa hunter.

Founded in 1983 by Tama Huata, executive and artistic director, Kahurangi is the only professional Maori dance company in North America. Graduates of the Takitimu Performing Arts School in Hastings, New Zealand, this troupe of ten to sixteen dancers perform throughout New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Their goal is to work together to provide cultural development and understanding to all nations through their national cultural, educational, and employment program.

Company members selected to tour must have a minimum of two years professional performance experience in New Zealand. Members are trained in many aspects of arts performance and education and are certified to conduct workshops and lectures in subjects relative to the cultural heritage of the Maori people.

This event is free and open to the public. Go online at www.berea.edu/convo for more information about this and other convocation events.