Māori-led Theatre ‘Out the Gate’ Highlights Incarceration Issues

A new theatrical production titled Out the Gate is currently touring Aotearoa, shining a light on the profound impacts of incarceration on Māori communities. Written by Helen Pearse-Otene, a psychologist and theatre practitioner, this play will be performed at Massey University in Wellington from November 12 to 15, 2023.

The production is part of a larger initiative known as the TIAKI project, which addresses the adverse effects of incarceration on the health and wellbeing of Māori, whānau, and the wider community. Collaborating with the Eru Pomare Centre from Otago University and the Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust, Pearse-Otene and her team have spent the last three years analyzing literature, statistical data, and interviews with individuals who have direct experience with the justice system.

Exploring Themes of Justice and Healing

“The play mirrors the drivers for intergenerational incarceration and presents community-derived alternatives to address recidivism,” Pearse-Otene explains.

Incorporating elements of theatre marae, a conceptual partnership blending traditional and contemporary Māori performing arts, Out the Gate serves as a decolonizing strategy to explore themes of trauma and social justice. This approach allows for an evocative theatrical experience that resonates deeply with the audience.

Pearse-Otene describes the ensemble’s composition as vital to the creative process. “They’re the ones who get to tell me if the script is rubbish,” she remarks, emphasizing the importance of authentic voices in shaping the narrative. This collaborative effort aims not only to depict the realities of incarceration but also to foster healing and understanding.

Engaging Audiences Post-Performance

Following each performance, audiences are encouraged to engage in discussions that extend the conversation initiated by the play. Pearse-Otene hopes attendees will reflect on the research and analysis presented, contributing to a broader understanding of the issues at hand. “If people leave the show thinking that the price of admission was worth it, then I’m happy,” she adds.

The balance between addressing challenging subjects and instilling a sense of hope is central to the production. Pearse-Otene’s multidisciplinary background in psychology, theatre, and kaupapa Māori health informs her approach, allowing her to create a narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

In a personal note, Pearse-Otene reveals her unexpected involvement with the global fan group, The Sanditon Sisterhood, which campaigned for the revival of the television series Sanditon after it was cancelled. This connection, she notes, helped her navigate the challenges of lockdown.

As Out the Gate continues its tour, it stands as a testament to the power of theatre in advocating for social change and fostering dialogue around critical issues affecting Māori communities in New Zealand.