‘When I hear others debating who will play fullback for the Kingdom of Heaven versus the rest I turn to stone. It is not for me to question whether Nepia was the best fullback in history. It is a question of which of the others is fit to lace up his Cotton Oxford boots.’ – Denzil Batchelor, English Rugby Journalist.
You’ll kick yourself if you miss this theatrical taonga brought to you by Tawata Productions. This eloquent and award-winning play by leading Māori playwright, Hone Kouka, brings into focus the life of a talented young East Coast boy from humble beginnings who invented the spiral punt, crafted the crash tackle and was thrust into rugby superstardom as a member of the 1924 Invincibles. Winner of four Chapman Tripp Awards in 2011, including Production, Director and Actor of the Year, as well as Most Promising Director for Jason Te Kare in his directorial debut, I, George Nēpia is a heartfelt homage to a bloody legend.
I, George Nēpia, will appeal to footy fans and theatre lovers alike as they journey together into the spirit of our nation in a different age. Graceful and mesmerising, Jarod Rawiri as Nēpia, offers an enchanting and poetic peek into the heart, mind and life of an extraordinary man and sporting colossus.
Written by award– winning playwright Hone Kouka and performed by award–winning actor Jarod Rawiri. Rawiri will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart as he slips so seamlessly from Nepia as a young man, to Nepia as an old man, to the American rugby coach who knew nothing about rugby, to the Welshman detailing his side's thrashing to the All Blacks.
