The Whale Rider focuses on many contrasts similar to My Love, My Love. The Whale Rider consists of Kahu and Koro’s character growth as Kahu becomes the whale rider. The book deals with magical realism, history and future, gender, and most importantly, Maori culture. In an attempt to highlight many of these, some more than others, I would divide the stage into two sides; one where Kahu is a girl, like in the book, and the other in which Kahu’s brother has survived and plays the whale rider. A narrator stands center stage, telling the audience the story of the Maoris. It will be revealed as the plot progresses that stage right and stage left are almost alternate realities. However, the plot will be similar, so it will be unclear if they are exactly alternate realities. This is where the magical realism comes in. Despite the audience’s first belief, the side where the whale rider is a boy, is not the same. This will be the story of the bull whale. This will highlight the character doubling present in the book. This will also show the “whales” and the humans. The gods may be referenced, but they will not appear at all. Clearly, both sides plot cannot be exactly the same, but they will be similar. The narrator will talk about the similar events while both groups do their specific blocking. The narrator will pause at particular points specific to each side. Then, that side of the stage will take over from the narration by acting out what happened. One example of a possible scene for the female/whale rider side will be when Kahu performs and Koro is absent from the audience. At this time, the lights will only be on half the stage.
Similar characters will exist on both sides. The most important characters are Kahu, Koro, Nani Flowers and some of the other boys that are training with Koro. Lighting will also be important in representing and highlighting the different sides. For costumes, I would keep the traditional Maori clothing on the whale rider side. I would take the colors from this side and use similar colors to represent the character doublings. Some of the doublings could also have multiple colors to show similarities to multiple characters. I would also add Maori symbols to the characters and what is important to them. For example, in the movie, Kahu wears a necklace during her performance. In is made of New Zealand green stone. I thought it was very interesting that this was included. The shape of her necklace is the manaia. This symbol represents protection against the supernatural. This was an interesting choice for her character because of her relationship with the whales. This could almost be seen as protecting her from fulfilling her destiny as whale rider. I would keep this the same, however her character double would show the koru or spiral which represents new life, strength and growth. This is a simple way to portray more hidden meaning besides the content of the scene.
Overall, my main focus would be creating the two different sides, but making sure they portray similarities. It is supposed to show almost a repeat in history, but also the capability of change without destroying the Maori culture and tradition. In the end, the two sides will mix showing the mix that occurs at the end of the book.
*the title is a Maori proverb. It is saying that everyone should work together and do their part. It encourages cooperation. The colors refer to the typical colors inside of meeting houses.
Sources: http://www.maori.cl/Proverbs.htm
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In addition, facts came from my visit to Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, NZ
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