Directed by Jol Sparks and Charlie Rohe
Auditions 9 May, 11am
Cold Read for Actors
No experience or preparation is required.
You must REGISTER to attend.
Step into the haunting, poetic world of Hone Kouka’s Wai Ora — a powerful ensemble piece blending memory, wairua, and whakapapa. This is a rare opportunity for actors to explore rich physical storytelling, layered characters, and the collision of past and present. If you’re drawn to evocative language, collaborative devising, and theatre that moves between realism and the spiritual, audition for Wai Ora and be part of a deeply moving Aotearoa story.
Available Roles
The Whānau
Hone / John
Playing age: 35–50
Description: The father. Provider, practical, and determined. Carries the pressure of relocation and responsibility.
Māori language: Moderate. Some Māori dialogue and pronunciation; comfort with tikanga and emotional depth helpful.
Wai / Sue
Playing age: 30–45
Description: The mother. Warm, steady, and holding the emotional centre of the family. Torn between past and present.
Māori language: Moderate. Several Māori phrases and strong emotional connection to cultural context.
Amiria
Playing age: 16–20
Description: Eldest daughter. Keen to fit into Pākehā society, distancing herself from her roots. Confident but conflicted.
Māori language: Light–moderate. Some lines; more about attitude toward language than fluency.
Rongo
Playing age: 12–16 (can be cast older)
Description: Sensitive, intuitive, spiritually attuned. Feels the pull of tūrangawaewae and loss most strongly.
Māori language: Moderate–high. Often connected to wairua elements; clear pronunciation important.
Boyboy
Playing age: 14–18
Description: Whāngai son. Physical, playful, and grounded in the land. Struggles with displacement.
Māori language: Moderate. Some dialogue; physical storytelling equally important.
The Guests
Steve Campbell
Playing age: 35–55
Description: Hone’s employer. Friendly, well-meaning, but represents outside pressures and assimilation.
Māori language: Minimal.
Louise Stones
Playing age: 20–35
Description: Teacher. Idealistic, outspoken, and curious. Brings new ideas into the household.
Māori language: Minimal–light.
The Tīpuna (Ensemble)
The Tīpuna / Ancestors (2–4 actors)
Playing age: Flexible (18+)
Description: Physical ensemble representing memory, homeland, and ancestral presence. Highly stylised movement roles.
Strong emphasis on physical theatre, waiata, and vocal soundscape.
PERFORMANCE DATES
7 - 17 May, 2026
REHEARSALS
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 - 9:30pm
Sundays 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Technical Rehearsals 6:00-11:00pm
Roles are unpaid.
Each actor is entitled to two comp tickets.
Check out our Audition Tips page to get some pointers.
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