NZ Opera’s final show for 2022

New Zealand Opera will hold its final performance of the year, Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator, at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua for two days next week. Composed by Tim Finn and with Tahitian monologues by Célestine Hitiura Vaite, the show has had the help of more than 200 people to bring it to the stage. Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono will sing Tupaia, Paul Whelan stars as James Cook, Marlena Devoe brings Purea to life and Norah Stevenson-Tuuga will perform Célestine’s Tahitian monologues. The production tells the story of Tupaia, a Tahitian star navigator, and his time on board Cook’s Endeavour. He sailed from Tahiti with Cook on the Endeavour’s maiden voyage in 1769 but the two navigators of genius were unable to find their way into each other’s world. Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator, December 9 and December 11, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua, tickets: nzopera. com/ihitai-aveia-star-navigator-2022/