Experience a visit from a ghost as history comes to life! ‘Te Tupua – The Goblin’ tells the tale of a disenfranchised child, a shipwrecked sailor, a slave, a tattooed freak.

A Scottish lad of 10 is driven into slavery aboard His Majesty’s ships, circa 1800.

After 15 years at sea, he is cast onto the shoreline of Aotearoa. The fight for survival begins.

‘Te Tupua – The Goblin’ is a solo play written and performed by John G Davies.

Te Tupua deals with atonement concerning bicultural New Zealand and the hidden trauma of our shared violent history.

This play, performed very simply with three props and a whole heap of energy, evokes a traditional storyteller from the days of the communal fire.

“When I go out into that space, the stage, I feel connected to all the ancient storytellers, to the people who imitate, embody, project, and summon their life force to engage their audience,” says John.

“That’s me, I’m one of those.”

Ancient Greek drama and the Japanese Noh Theatre continue to inspire and guide this work. 

Modern theatrical convention often uses masks to disguise identity for a comedic interplay or as an attractive theatrical prop.

In this play, ‘Te Tupua – The Goblin’ the appearance of the past is made possible using a traditional theatrical device, which is the mask.

This play is suitable for ages 10 and up. ‘Te Tupua – The Goblin’ will be performed at 16th Ave Theatre on Tuesday, May 7, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost $35 each and can be purchased at: www.iticket.co.nz