Why I Chose to Keep 'Tangihanga' in Development during our National Tour: A Journey of Growth and Connection

The story of Tangihanga was seeded by my father's four-day funeral, a time filled with debates, discussions, family tensions, emotional drama, and even a punch-up at the urupā (cemetery). However, what truly shaped my understanding of grief and whānau dynamics was growing up with my father, who was a mortician. I often helped him behind the scenes and attended over a thousand tangihanga. Those experiences provided me with profound insight into the rituals surrounding death and the ways families process loss.

I initially wrote Tangihanga as a feature film, but as the story evolved, I wanted to use this opportunity to strengthen the storyline and develop the characters further. That’s when I made the decision to transition it into a one-woman solo stage show. This choice allowed me to engage in personal work with the material and see how audiences connect with the story and its characters.

Characters Paora, Aunty Margaret, Aunty Edna, Hana, Bishop, Tamara

Why Keep a Show in Development?

As we prepared to take Tangihanga on tour, I knew the conventional approach would be to finalize the script and deliver a polished production. However, I decided to keep the show in development throughout the tour, supported by my co-director, Eunice August-Smith. This hasn’t been the easiest choice to make, especially considering my own ego. It’s challenging to put something out to the public that I know is not complete, finished, or polished. However, I wanted to use this opportunity to strengthen the story based on the feedback we receive from audiences and reviewers who offer great insight and knowledge into theatre and storytelling.

I am incredibly grateful for the amazing feedback we've received from audiences who tell us this is a story worth telling—a story that needs to be told. By staying open to change, I allowed Tangihanga to grow organically, gaining new insights from each show. Every audience brings a different energy, and their reactions have been instrumental in shaping the story as we move forward.

Some Feedback

The Power of Connection

For me, this process isn’t just about refining the show; it’s about ensuring that Tangihanga connects with people on a deep level, reflecting both the universality of grief and the specific cultural context in which it’s set. The overwhelming positive feedback and support we’ve received so far have affirmed that this was the right choice. Each performance brings us closer to a version of the show that truly resonates with its audience while staying true to the heart of the story seeded by my father's funeral.

Ultimately, we want people to leave with two key messages: first, to recognize the impact we can have on those in our lives, and second, to please don’t wait until your loved one has passed away before you tell them how much you love them and share stories about them. Life is too short, and expressing our love and appreciation while we can is essential.

Main Character Jess