Māui me te Rā
This process could be used with any of the Māui stories.
Beat 1
Many years ago the sun travelled so fast across the sky that people had no time to tend to their gardens, or go about their daily business. They complained to Māui and asked him to do something about it.
Beat 2
Māui called on his brothers to work with him to slow down the sun. They wove long ropes from the harakeke (flax) bushes growing near their village.
Beat 3
When these were finished, the brothers carried the ropes up the highest mountain and laid in wait for the sun to appear in the morning sky.
Beat 4
Throughout the cold night, Māui encouraged his brothers to have confidence in their strength. Soon, the sun's rays were seen shining over the peak of the mountain.
Beat 5
Excitedly, the men threw the ropes over the sun and held on tightly while Māui beat it with a stick.
Beat 6
The sun was very angry and struggled. He called out to Māui, "Why do you beat me? Let me go."
Beat 7
Māui told the sun that if it did not slow down, the people would have no time to grow and prepare food and therefore die.
Beat 8
Finally, Māui's strength and willpower prevailed and the sun hobbled slowly away from the net of ropes and across the sky.
Beat 9
Down in the fields, the people celebrated and cheered for Māui and his brothers. Slowing the sun meant that there was time for people to go about their daily business and get all their chores done and still have time in the day for leisure activities.
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Mahi a Te Rēhia ideas
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy process:
Step 1:
Choose a story that you want to perform or play with - Māui me te Rā.
Step 2:
Divide the story into scenes and beats.
Step 3:
Read the story aloud, slowly and clearly. Insist that the listeners listen to the story with their eyes closed in order to imagine the story and allow for a free flow of images.
Step 4:
Provide the participants with paper and crayons or paint. Ask them to create a picture or colour impression that represents the overall atmosphere or the metaphorical meaning of the story. Take 5-10 minutes per drawing.
Step 5:
Show each other the drawings and ask the participants to comment on their own work. It is important to give everybody a chance to talk about their first overall drawing.
Step 6:
Read out the passage of the story that makes up beat 1. Listen with eyes closed. Paint or draw the essence of this beat. Look at all the drawings but ask only a few participants to comment. Collectively agree on a short title (2–3 words) that summarizes the essence of this beat.
Step 7:
Repeat this process for all remaining beats: read / listen / draw / title.
Step 8:
Each participant will finally arrange their drawings in order and attach them to the wall for future reference.
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