Māori Theatre Explores Incarceration in New Production “Out the Gate”

A new theatrical production titled Out the Gate is currently touring Aotearoa, highlighting the complex issues surrounding incarceration within Māori communities. The play, written by Helen Pearse-Otene, is being performed at Massey University in Wellington from November 12 to 15, 2023. It serves as a conversation starter about the adverse effects of imprisonment on Māori health and well-being.

Out the Gate is a product of Te Rākau Theatre, which has been led by Pearse-Otene since its inception in 1999. The play represents theatre marae, a creative partnership between traditional Māori performing arts and contemporary theatre practices. This approach aims to create impactful narratives that address colonisation, trauma, and social justice through a decolonising lens.

The play is part of the TIAKI initiative, a public health research project investigating the health impacts of incarceration on Māori and their families. Collaborating with the Eru Pomare Centre at Otago University and Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust, Pearse-Otene has spent the last three years analysing literature, statistical data, and interviews from individuals with lived experiences of the justice system.

Engaging with those who have faced the justice system has been essential to the development of the script. Pearse-Otene emphasizes the importance of feedback from these individuals, saying, “They’re the ones who get to tell me if the script is rubbish.” This collaborative approach ensures authenticity and relevance to the experiences portrayed on stage.

The intersection of theatre, psychology, and kaupapa Māori health is a crucial element of Pearse-Otene’s work. She explains that all three fields focus on understanding reality, human suffering, and paths to healing. This thematic overlap is evident in Out the Gate, which explores challenging subjects while also delivering a message of hope.

The TIAKI study not only examines the factors contributing to intergenerational incarceration but also seeks community-driven solutions to reduce recidivism. Pearse-Otene hopes that the play reflects these findings and initiates meaningful discussions among audiences. She envisions the post-performance kōrero as a continuation of the dialogue, inviting audience members to engage with the research and share their insights.

“I like to think of the post-show kōrero as an extension of the performance and an opportunity for the audience to present their analysis of the research,” she notes. Pearse-Otene expresses satisfaction if attendees leave feeling that their experience was worthwhile.

In a lighter moment, Pearse-Otene reveals a personal interest that may surprise many: her involvement in the Sanditon Sisterhood, a global fan group formed to advocate for the renewal of the TV series Sanditon after its cancellation. She credits this community with helping her through the challenges of lockdown.

As Out the Gate continues its tour, it stands as a testament to the power of theatre as a medium for social change, encouraging both reflection and discourse on the pressing issues facing Māori communities today.