Jolt, a pioneer of innovative, inclusive dance practice in Ōtautahi present a preview performance of Whakapapa, sharing this work locally before touring to Glasgow to represent Aotearoa and perform at the Gathered Together Festival.

Whakapapa shares the stories of six dancers with intellectual disabilities: Joel Forman (Māori), Jokani Coe (Cook Islands/Samoa), Robert Sopoaga (Samoa), Jono Bennett (Fijian Indian), Jacob Levington (Pākehā), and Lachlan Oakes (Pākehā). Each story explores ideas of identity and connection to culture, history and ancestors through dance, text and film.

Jacob speaks to his family tree through personal tributes while Lachlan shares his passion for airplanes and the freedom of flight. Jokani’s piece, “There is a Mountain inside my Head”, remembers his connection to the mountains in Rarotonga. Joel’s piece tells the story of his great great grandmother Hana Kai Kai and his own story of his two whānau – his adopted Pākehā whānau and his reconnection to his birth Māori whānau.

Robert and Jono share their stories through film. Jono’s story, “The Tree”, was developed in Jolt’s writers’ workshops in 2022 and shares memories of his mother. Robert Sopoaga’s Siva (Samoan dance) highlights the mana of the performers, and the importance of cultural identity and community.

Jolt dancers are supported on stage by dancer Aleasha Seaward and actor Renée Ryan.