Taki Maori has an intimacy that many shows on the Fringe lack, a small family of Maori and it is a family, a mum, a dad, children and close relatives have brought a slice of Aeotora (New Zealand) to a studio stage at Dance Base.
Occasionally shows reflecting the art and culture of an indigenous people can be earnest and well intentioned, but lack engagement. That danger is avoided here. The production makes it feel like we've just been invited into their home and now they want to entertain us. That kind of approach is balm to the soul where so many shows are corporate in nature and sterilised in delivery.
It was only the first day but they had nearly a full house. I counted 3 empty seats. Unknown acts don't get a better start than that at the Fringe.
The show is full of warmth and a tender delivery. In parts it is touching, a love song between the mother and father is breathtaking, the families sincerity is real, they talk to us, not at us; their songs, sung in the mellifluous language of the maori, communicate an honesty which is both attractive and absorbing.
We learn a little of their culture and way of life, but the remarkable achievement of this show is that we meet these people face to face and get to know them whilst at the same time the entertainment rolls off the stage in form of song, dance and Haka.
The music is strongly rhythmic and melodic and you'd have to be dead at least 6 months to not find yourself tapping your feet to the songs, and my goodness can those girls twirl their Poi!
Taki Maori Haka Experience is exactly that, an experience, and the audience I watched the show with spontaneously responded to the artists on the stage who both moved and entertained them.
As you can tell I am quite taken by the Taki Maori, and no wonder, shows like this are rare on the Fringe; intimate, honest and soulful, you cannot fail to leave this show without a smile on your face and a skip in your step.
Age suitability 5 - 105
(12:00) 1-24 August (not 4, 11 and 18), £8/£6 Family Tickets £5