Singing Treasures 2: The Inaugural Performance of ‘Kōauau 1933.5.6’ and Ceremonial Performance of Māori Music

Tuesday 29 July 2025, 13.00 - 14.00

Free drop-in performance, no booking required.

Experience Ariana Tikao's return to the Pitt Rivers Museum with her inaugural performance of the poem ‘Kōauau 1933.5.6’ – a brand new spoken word piece written about one of the taonga puoro (singing treasures) in the museum collection. The spoken word piece will be performed alongside a ceremonial performance of Māori music on the Clore Balcony in the Pitt Rivers Museum galleries, continuing Ariana’s dialogue with the taonga puoro and other ancestral artefacts on display.

Ariana is a writer, singer, composer and leading player of taonga puoro (Māori instruments) and was honoured as New Zealand Arts Laureate in 2020. Her creative work explores themes relating to her Kāi Tahu tribal identity and mana wahine, the power of women.

This performance is part of the AHRC-funded Making the Museum project.

Tickets, seating, and access information:

This is a pop-up performance – no tickets required, just drop in! Seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are unable to stand for the duration of the performance (we expect this to be a popular event), please email becky.martin@prm.ox.ac.uk to ensure that a seat is reserved for you. There is step-free, fully accessible access to the Clore Balcony from either entrance to the museum.