Blood of Trees

Abstract

‘The visible is prepared by the invisible.’ Julia Kristen. Part of The University of Auckland’s Thematic Research Initiative, Transforming Cities, BLOOD OF TREES was the culmination of a two week research process for 15 professional and student dancers, a choreographer, sound artist, designer and dramaturg. As a site sensitive event focused on water issues for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the work drew on the stories that emerged throughout the research, the embodied memories and knowledge from the performers and the changing scape and use of the Auckland Waterfront. The catalyst for the performance was the idea of young tuna (eels or elvers) swimming up Tuna Mau, a stream that once flowed thr..