Save the dates: 13-15th Oct 2023

By Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival | Posted:

Star studded Opera premiere opens the flow of exciting events...

'Silence Is' a new opera written by Aotearoa creatives Rosa Elliott, Dr Te Oti Rakena, Leon Reynolds, Dr Tessa Romano, Ruby Solly, and (Poet Laureate) Chris Tse, with director Matiu Kereama.

'Silence Is' explores the role of silence in communication, on both an interpersonal societal level, in different environments, and the weaponsiation of silence through oppression and censorship.

It challenges preconceptions and explores the cacophony of physical, spiritual and political silences around us. With a non-linear narrative inspired by the values of a kaupapa Māori framework, and written within a Tiriti-led partnership between creatives, this opera is the first of its kind, asking audiences to consider what silence truly means in Aotearoa today.

Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival (dunedinwritersfestival.co.nz)