“This is not a show”, Thomas ES Kelly, a Minjungbal-Yugamonbeh, Wiradjuri, and Ni-Vanuatu man reminds us at the conclusion of the ceremony of Kuramanunya.
At the heart of contemporary theatre, where innovation and tradition converge, First Nations-led dance company Karul Projects present a solo dance-theatre piece as recognition and honour to the lives of First Nations people lost during and after colonisation.
“My feet walk on land that is red blood soaked. Black burnt, yellow sun drenched country. Stories from thousands of years. Songs eternally kept on the wind and water.”
Kuramanunya is a deeply moving solo work from Yugambeh, Ni-Van choreographer and performer Thomas E.S. Kelly (KARUL Projects), honouring the Old People—those who walked before, whose stories were cut short, and whose spirits remain present in the land, water, and sky.
In this powerful offering of remembrance, Kelly pays tribute to First Nations ancestors whose lives and legacies were taken before their time—led to the cliff’s edge, denied the chance to pass on their lineage, their stories silenced and returned to the earth. Kuramanunya carves space for them to be remembered.
Through visceral contemporary dance, immersive sound, and striking visuals, the work becomes a living ceremony—an embodiment of mourning, resistance, and love. It is a call to listen to what was never written, to feel what was never spoken, and to stand in witness with those who survived and those who returned to the spirit world.
Kaitito nekehanga | Choreographer
Kaiwhakaari | Performer
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaituhi | Writer
Ringatohu | Director
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Stage Manager
Operator
Set Designer
Sound Designer
Kaiwhakahaere Whakaari | Producer
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
$35 Pakeke (Standard Adult Ticket)
For Tīkiti Tūru Wīra, select ‘Wheelchair Access’ section when booking online, then select a ticket price from the list presented.
If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at booking@tepoutheatre.nz
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
CycleThere is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus & trainBus and train links arrive at Henderson Transport Centre, which is within walking distance to our whare. Check the public transport route in your area to plan your trip.
ParkingFollow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The Te Kōpua foyer, bar, kauta and pae tīkiti will be open 1 hour before show time. 
Our Bar serves a full range of beverages (non alcoholic and alcoholic) and snacks.
Our Kauta will be open for tasty bites before the show including steamed hāngī buns from The Hāngī Master, a vegetarian platter and a selection from ‘I Love Pies’.
🎟️ Our Pae Tīkiti (Box Office) will be open for ticket sales and pick ups.
Note: We no longer accept cash payments but welcome all major cards and paywave.
Our whare is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
To ensure you have the best visiting experience, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz about your access needs so we can anticipate your visit.
Please note, your walker will need to be stored away during the performance so that it’s not a trip hazard to other patrons. An usher will return your walker to you whenever you need it.
Service animals are welcome at our whare. If you’re bringing a service animal to an event, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz before your visit so we can anticipate your arrival.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.
Adult Themes, Themes of Death and Suicide, Themes of Violence and Genocide, Haze / Smoke Effects, Strobe Lighting Effects. Recommended for ages 15+.
