Te Kaupapa

Te Whare o Rukutia supports the presentation of established, emerging, and collaborative work, and new experiences for our audiences. It’s a performance space established to help meet the needs of Ōtepoti’s performing arts practitioners, and frequently sees performances for comedy, theatre, music and more as well as acting as a rehearsal space.

Te Whare o Rukutia is managed by the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust.

The gift of a name

Te Whare o Rukutia is a name that pays homage to Rukutia, a traditional exponent of kapa haka who was renowned for performing arts. Te Whare o Rukutia translates to The House of Rukutia and celebrates her skills and influence.

Te Whare o Rukutia drew its name from a feminine entity, Rukutia, who in mythology was linked with Tama and Tu-te-koropaka in stories of Kāi Tahu origin. She was a woman of phenomenal skill. 

Associated with moko, pounamu, and raraka, Rukutia was also acknowledged as an expert in dance arts. She is seen throughout Polynesian history in varying forms and appears as a critical thinker with advanced ideas and skills.