Tōrua work brings free dancing in the streets

Alex Robertson

NZ Herald·

11 Oct, 2026 05:38 PM2 mins to read

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Tōrua, which invites audiences to travel through streets, laneways and public spaces wearing wireless headsets, is free as part of Tempo Dance Festival. Photo / Alex Robertson

In Tōrua, nine dancers invite their audience to explore the varied spaces of Tāmaki Makaurau, listening to two original compositions from New Zealand musicians Eden Mulholland and Anna Edgington.

Tōrua is directed by Malia Johnston from Movement of the Human and created collaboratively with nine exceptional dance artists from across Aotearoa. Photo / Alex RobertsonTōrua invites audiences to travel through streets, laneways and public spaces wearing wireless headsets that offer a choice between two original musical scores by Eden Mulholland (Ngāti Porou) and Anna Edgington. Photo / Alex Robertson

The name suggests the weaving of two energies reflected in the performers’ duets, says director Malia Johnston of Movement of the
Human. “[The dancers] are always in a duet with the environment or with the relationship with the audience,” she said after Saturday’s show that started at Karanga-a-Hape station before migrating through the streets to the finale in Myers Park.

Tōrua has delighted audiences across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia and is presented as part of the Tempo Dance Festival this week in central Auckland. The piece features distinct vignettes with duets, solos and group dances using the environment as backdrops and props. Johnston says the natural environment challenges the perception of conditioned viewing, empowering audiences to watch however they want, wherever they want.