Combining theatre and live music, Two Guitars, the latest production from award-winning playwright Jamie McCaskill, wrestles with “Māoriness”, through comedy, song and outstanding showmanship.
Following a successful premiere season in Palmerston North in 2023 and Wellington’s Circa Theatre last year, Two Guitars heads to Te Raukura ki Kāpiti on 12 March 2025.
Filled with laughter and touching moments, Two Guitars is a musical journey that follows the winners of a kaupapa Māori music competition who are about to play their showcase gig…. An hour before the show, tension and cultural aspirations come to a head, forcing them to decide whether they should go through with the show or not.
Billy and Te Po are two-meke musicians about to smash the biggest night of their lives. Just before going onstage, Billy must decide if he will still perform after receiving tragic news and Te Po doubles down on his criticism of the show’s wairua in a live interview that morning. When the producers call in to discuss the interview, Te Po challenges them on their views of te ao Māori, stating he and Billy shouldn’t have to conform to their way of being Māori. When Te Po is kicked off the show, Billy is forced to confront his values as a modern Māori man and where he fits in.
A superb showcase of both acting and musicianship, Two Guitars was written by and stars award-winning playwright, actor, musician and founder of The Māori Sidesteps, Jamie McCaskill (Ngāti Tamaterā). His writing credits include Manawa, which won him the Bruce Mason Award in 2013, as well as Not in Our Neighbourhood, The Biggest, Company Kamupene, and Te Kuia Me Te Pungawerewere which was brought to the stage by Taki Rua in 2023. In this two-hander Jamie is joined by Golden Guitar winner Cameron Clayton (Ngāti Porou, Whāngai), who has performed in country music across NZ, Australia and USA, and has previously starred in productions of Cats, Rent, Shrek the Musical and Something Rotten.
“I wrote Two Guitars because I wanted to explore diversity in te ao Māori and present two characters who may not be your stereotypical Māori fighting to be themselves within a Māori kaupapa. In the current political climate, we must hold on to our self determination or mana motuhake,” says writer, Jamie McCaskill
Two Guitars is directed by award winning actor, writer and director Carrie Green (Ngāti Porou). She’s worked with the likes of Auckland Theatre Company, Taki Rua, Tawata Productions and World of Wearable Arts. Also supporting Two Guitars is set and costume designer Ian Harman and lighting designer Talya Pilcher.
Two Guitars received nominations for New Aotearoa Play of the Year (Jamie McCaskill), Accolade for Outstanding Performance (Cameron Clayton) and Set Designer of the Year (Ian Harman) at the 2024 Wellington Theatre Awards.
Two Guitars is a production by Tikapa Productions, led by Jamie McCaskill and Sonia Hardie. Many may know Sonia as the Centre Manager of Te Raukura ki Kāpiti. Outside of this role, she remains active in the arts industry, producing Tikapa Productions’ exceptional repertoire of works. Sonia says: “I am delighted to have a ‘worlds collide’ moment with the opportunity to bring this acclaimed theatre piece to Te Raukura. I know the arts loving community of the Kāpiti Coast will be entertained, moved and challenged by this topical production, made by some of the best theatre makers in Aotearoa”.
“Transcendent harmonies, complex characterisations, moving and theatrically fulfilling” Maryanne Cathro, Theatreview
“A brave, powerful play… It is not to be missed.” Tania Kopytko, Theatreview
WHAT: Two Guitars
Written by Jamie McCaskill; Directed by Carrie Green; Starring Jamie McCaskill and Cameron Clayton
WHERE: Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre
WHEN: 12 March, 7.30pm
TICKETS: www.teraukura.nz/event/two-guitars
