April 2018 premiered GC2018, 8 performances on the Roundabout Stage.

Hurihuri (verb): to spin, revolve, rotate, twirl. (Maori Dictionary)

Hurihuri is constructed around the wheel and motion with the poise and spin of counterbalanced aerial performance, it fuses hip hop and contemporary movement with traditional kapa haka on an urban, circular stage.  Hurihuri was commissioned by Festival 2018 (GC2018), the arts and cultural programme of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and was created specifically for a 10m outdoor stage (The Roundabout) with its impressive 10m aerial rig.  Local Gold Coast collaborators Turanga Ake, roller-skaters, and other wheelie masters performed against a live soundscape of drums, electronic loops and traditional Maori instruments: taonga pūoro. Hurihuri fizzes with energy, magic and heart.  The whirling, revolution of motion and sound builds through the power of the haka to a breathtaking finale: an aerial duet starring award winning integrated artist Rodney Bell with Brydie Colquhoun.

Hurihuri works as well during the day as it does under lights. The show is a 30 minute high energy spectacular that drew large crowds throughout its eight performances at the Festival.  It is suited to populated outdoor environments and promotes inclusivity and accessibility.  Hurihuri can be shaped to showcase local performance strengths and architectural spaces, it is an astonishing swirling collaborative spectacular.

‘Hurihuri is an ambitious new commission from New Zealand, a tremendous celebration of diversity and a colourful blend of traditional and contemporary Maori culture.’ Festival 2018 Gold Coast Co-Creative Director Yaron Lifschitz

Director Malia Johnston Dancers Rodney Bell, Brydie Colquhoun, Matthew Moore, Cuba Haslam Composer and Live Musician Tom Scrase Aerial Choreographer Jenny Ritchie Aerial Rigger Tom Hoyle Guest Choreographer (Duet) Julia Harvie Costume Designer Claire Croskery Set Consultation John Verryt Producer Romola Lang Guest Artists Turanga Ake (Gold Coast)   

click here FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH RODNEY BELL