AHI After Mahuika
AHI After Mahuika is Glass Ceiling’s new sensory theatre show for audience members living with profound disabilities and their whānau.
AHI After Mahuika is a multi-sensory show inspired by the Māori goddess of fire. It tells the story of a young protagonist's journey to fix what she has broken. The narrative unfolds in a vibrant world where myth and reality blend, guided by Mahuika’s wisdom and fiery spirit.
With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, AHI after Mahuika employs innovative techniques to ensure an engaging experience for all audiences, with special features for those living with disabilities. Be immersed in a powerful sonic experience of original music, multi-sensory elements, and potent storytelling. This dynamic show creates a space where the magic of theatre can be experienced by everyone.
In December 2024, the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective creatives completed an intensive two week development season, finishing up with 4 shows to invited guests.
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is currently seeking support for the next stage of development and then touring, so audiences throughout Aotearoa New Zealand can enjoy
AHI After Mahuika.
Photos courtesy of Megan Goldsman
Inspiration
In 2023, Glass Ceiling Arts Collective attended Frozen Light’s UK Sensory Symposium in Norwich in the UK, and had the privilege to see their amazing show Firesongs. Firesongs is a multi-sensory experience which uses choral harmonies to create a soulful connection to the universal theme of the campfire.
Upon our return, Glass Ceiling Arts Collective commissioned local artists Cherie Moore (Ngāti Porou) and Katrina George (Pacific Peoples) to create a brand new work which was to be a distinctly Aotearoa New Zealand piece. Our only requirements were:
it should be a sensory experience such that it can be enjoyed by everyone including people with profound disabilities
the experience should include music and song
the narrative should be unique to Aotearoa New Zealand
and it should draw upon the theme of fire.
In December 2024, the creative team completed an intensive two week development season, finishing up with 4 shows to invited guests. Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is currently seeking funding so that AHI After Mahuika can be enjoyed by audiences through New Zealand.
A short introduction to AHI After Mahuika
Audience Feedback
Nick has a fear of large crowds, and so he liked the small audience and theatre in-the-round mode.
He also said he would like to come back for another show in the future. He rarely makes comments or commitments like that.
Funders and Supporters
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective would like to thank the following for their support of this project.
Auckland Council (through an Audience Development grant)
The Chisholm Whitney Charitable Trust
The Bobby Stafford Bush Foundation
The Auckland Theatre Company