Bravery and fame have many resting places

Taki Rua Productions’ Strange Resting Places brings stories of humanity and survival from the Māori Battalion in Italy to Downstage

Taki Rua Productions’ Strange Resting Places is not resting in 2009 and is continuing with the success it has enjoyed in recent years. Written by Paolo Rotondo and Rob Mokaraka, the play is crafted from contemporary storytelling, personal experience and extensive research, with music and comedy in Maori, Italian and English and some hilarious and moving characters. Before heading off on an international adventure it returns to Wellington from 16 March (for one week only) shining a light on the complex emotional bonds of New Zealand's wartime history and the three universals that Maori shared with the Italians: whānau, food and song - not to mention wily cunning, a love of vino and a passion for the ladies.

Set against the backdrop of war, Strange Resting Places traces the stories and personal experiences of the Māori Battalion in Italy, as celebrated NZ actors Paolo Rotondo (Italian) and Rob Mokaraka (Māori) take audiences on a touching and often humorous tale of comradeship and survival. "Great theatre touches your soul and throws you about as though you were in a washing machine. Thank you for doing that." T. Watkins (Son of a Maori Battalion Soldier, Auckland showing, 2004)

Strange Resting Places plays at Downstage Theatre from 16 till 21 March at 8 pm. Prices for the show range from $20 to $42.