Italy, 1944: a battle-torn theatre of the Second World War. The allied onslaught stalls at Monte Cassino and the 28th Maori Battalion find themselves centre stage. A young Maori soldier goes out to steal food; an Italian takes cover in a stable. Both find themselves trapped in a potentially deadly stand-off, but with Germans just outside, their survival depends on co-operation.

With music and comedy in Maori, Italian and English and some hilarious and moving characters, Strange Resting Places shines a light on the complex emotional bonds of New Zealand's wartime history and the three universals that Maori shared with the Italians: whanau, food and song - not to mention wily cunning, a love of vino and a passion for the ladies.

Strange Resting Places is theatre crafted from extensive research, contemporary storytelling and personal experience.

Taki Rua Productions
Taki Rua Productions is New Zealand's only national, professional Maori theatre company. Based in Wellington, Taki Rua produces Maori theatre works that tour to diverse audiences throughout New Zealand and the world.

To support the programme and the New Zealand theatre industry, Taki Rua Productions has an ongoing commitment to the development of Maori playwrights, theatre practitioners and creators who embrace Maori perspectives and the promotion and use of Te Reo Maori within theatre.

Through direct association Taki Rua Productions affords opportunities for Maori and rural communities to participate in the arts; while exposing wider theatre audiences to vibrant Maori theatre.

Created in 1997, from the closure of Taki Rua Theatre, Taki Rua Productions has established itself as a industry leader, nurturing some of Aotearoa's most prolific Maori writers, actors, directors, designers and producing definitive New Zealand theatre works.

The name Taki Rua comes from a weaving pattern that literally means "to go in twos".

Contact:
James Ashcroft
1/65 Abel Smith St
PO Box 24 167
Wellington 6142
New Zealand
Tel +64 4 385 3112
Fax +64 4 385 3106