Māori-Led Theatre “Out the Gate” Addresses Incarceration Issues

A new theatrical production titled Out the Gate is currently touring Aotearoa, with performances scheduled at Massey University in Wellington from November 12–15, 2023. The play, written by Helen Pearse-Otene, addresses the crucial issues surrounding incarceration and its impact on Māori communities.

Helen Pearse-Otene, a psychologist and theatre practitioner with connections to several Māori iwi, has been integral to the creative work of Te Rākau Theatre since its inception in 1999. Her latest project, Out the Gate, forms part of the TIAKI initiative, a public health research project examining the adverse effects of incarceration on the health and wellbeing of Māori and their wider communities.

Collaboration and Research Driving the Narrative

The play benefits from a collaboration with the Eru Pomare Centre at Otago University and the Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust. Over the past three years, the project has compiled extensive research, including literature reviews, statistical data, and interviews with individuals who have firsthand experience with the justice system. The insights gathered are not only being shared through the play but also through publications and a podcast.

Pearse-Otene emphasizes the importance of working with an ensemble that includes people who have lived experience of incarceration. She notes, “They’re the ones who get to tell me if the script is rubbish,” highlighting the collaborative nature of the creative process and the significance of authentic representation.

Exploring Complex Themes with Hope

Thematically, Out the Gate tackles difficult subjects while striving to convey a message of hope. The TIAKI study investigates the causes of intergenerational incarceration and proposes community-driven alternatives to reduce recidivism. Pearse-Otene explains, “I hope that, in being guided primarily by the community interviews, the play mirrors this.”

Following each performance, the production includes a post-show discussion, allowing audiences to engage with the themes presented and reflect on the research findings. Pearse-Otene believes these conversations can extend the impact of the performance, fostering analysis and understanding among viewers. “If people leave the show thinking that the price of admission was worth it, then I’m happy,” she states.

In addition to her work in theatre, Pearse-Otene has an unexpected connection to popular culture. She is a member of the Sanditon Sisterhood, a global fan group that campaigned for the renewal of the TV show Sanditon after its cancellation, a pursuit that provided her with solace during lockdown.

As Out the Gate continues its tour, it not only seeks to entertain but also to educate and inspire meaningful dialogue about the challenges facing Māori communities in relation to the justice system. Through this powerful blend of art and research, Pearse-Otene and her team aim to foster understanding and promote healing within society.