ASB Waterfront Theatre, the new hub for the city’s performing arts, opens with a public day on Saturday 24 September. It will house a 660-seat theatre built specifically to showcase theatre and dance, and attract theatre-goers from across the region and beyond.
Commissioned sculpture
Waterfront Theatre Limited has commissioned New Zealand sculptor Professor Robert (Bob) Jahnke to create a pou for the theatre’s yard.
The artwork, Pouwhakamaharatanga mo Maui tikitiki a Taranga, will stand 6.4m tall.
Stories of Maui
The three figures crowning the pou represent three Maui narratives:
- Maui slowing the sun
- Maui fishing up the North Island
- Maui securing fire from Mahuika, the goddess of fire.
The pou is made from weathering steel (which has a rust-like appearance) and laminated tōtara, and will serve as a focal point for pōwhiri and other ceremonial events at the main entrance to the new theatre.
