RECKŌNING - Te Waiata Paihere Wairua

By Beat Entertainment

A powerful celebration of Indigenous culture through storytelling, original songs, and dance

Reckoning is a 1-hour show depicting the intertwining of Indigenous culture through storytelling, original songs and dance, tackling the modern-day effects of racism and intergenerational trauma.

Employing strong visuals projected on screen, emotionally charged song, deeply personal story telling and genuine raw emotions of anger, grief, sadness and joy, Reckoning leads its audience through a process of truth-telling and truth-accepting that subtly triggers states of empathy and understanding, whilst the music uplifts the audience.

This is achieved by presenting the themes of the show in a visually beautiful way with original costuming, symbolic staging, a bright engaging colour pallet, atmospheric lighting and environment, inspiring lyrics in language and an utterly dance-worthy contemporary sound by Samuel Gaskin and The Merindas.

This show is a recognition of past injustices, a journey through understanding, and a celebration of Indigenous cultures survival, creativity and strength.

Winner of 4 Melbourne Fringe Awards, Reckoning is about:

• Reclaiming our power;
• Reconnecting with our Ancestry;
• Rediscovering our indigenous blood lines; and
• Reclaiming the parts of ourselves we’ve forgotten – and been made to forget.

Content Warnings:

Contains sustained bright lights, haze effects, moderate coarse language, sudden loud noises, potentially triggering content or themes, including Self Harm or Suicide, Sexual Assault or Abuse, Mental Health, Use of Replica Weapons, Racism, includes images, voices or the name(s) of deceased Indigenous persons.

About Beat Entertainment

Beat Entertainment (BEAT) is a BIPOC, LGBTQI+, First Nations led and focussed entertainment company Run by partners in life and in business Samuel Gaskin & Johnny Hamilton, BEAT have been in business since 2015. Treasured clients and partners include Fox FM & the HIT NETWORK, Katy Perry, Moët Chandon, Melbourne Fringe, Belvedere Vodka, Kitsune, Gary Peer and many more… BEAT’s unique approach to their work focuses on their deep commitment to centring and uplifting marginalised voices specifically those of Queer and Indigenous peoples. Their brand is Heart, Creativity and Authenticity. Everything BEAT does has both a deep respect for the past and a strong thread into the future. Reckōning Te Waiata Paihere Wairua - The sound of woven souls is their first theatre piece. It premiered at Melbourne Fringe in 2020 winning four awards including:

Best Emerging Indigenous Artist Supported by Wilin Centre (VCA & MCM)
Market Ready Award Supported by Regional Arts Victoria
Emerging Company Incubator Award Supported by Monash Centre for Theatre and
Performance & Space Cadet Award Supported by RISING Melbourne.

RECKŌNING Performance

16 September, 7.30pm

$45

Followed by a post-show late-night Kiki in the DTC foyer with the cast

Book now

Poi Making Workshop

Friday 15 September, 1.30pm - 2.30pm

FREE - spots limited so book a ticket to secure your space

Book now

About the workshop

Poi originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, where it is still practiced today.

Poi refers to both a style of performing art and the equipment used for engaging in poi performance. As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi artists may also sing or dance while swinging their poi. A scientific study conducted at the University of Auckland showed significant improvements in grip strength, balance, and attention after one month of poi practice.

Enjoy a fun afternoon with the artists of RECKONING constructing Poi from recycled household materials!

This classroom style workshop will allow participants to learn about the Poi whilst constructing their own set of Poi using recycled materials. Participants will then learn basic poi movements and song to perform.

This is a free workshop that requires tickets to be booked in advance - Limited spots available, suitable for all ages.

This project is supported by Regional Arts Victoria, Creative Victoria and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

This project is amplified by Jewel Box Performances, Multicultural Arts Victoria, Australia Council and Creative Victoria

Special thanks: Our Ancestors

News & Reviews

“Delights every one of the senses for those lucky enough to witness it.” – Rolling Stone
“A work like Reckoning is rare. It’s full of heart and respect and musicality and guts and that’s why it’s so impactful. I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards. It’s a work with resonance far beyond its own words and melodies.” – Simon Abrahams, CEO & Creative Director, Melbourne Fringe
“Reckoning is a powerful, innovative and compelling work that takes the audience on a deeply engaging journey and showcases the amazing talents both of its creators, Samuel Gaskin and Johnny Hamilton, and of their incredible team of performers and creatives. It is a moving and significant work which will have an important and powerful impact on audiences.” – John Foreman OAM
“The real joy however of Reckoning is its original music, blend of different art forms and authentic storytelling.” - Broadway World
“My praise for this performance exceeds the words that I can truly use to do it justice. It is raw and emotional and so powerful in many ways.” – Theatre Travels