The Stem community of the Red Highlands contains a high concentration of the indigenous Reitai people whose education system is story-based and led in circular groups by a storyteller. This cave-like playhouse built into the cliffside we discovered is carved with elaborate myth and teaching stories. Children dress in costumes with masks carved of muka wood and serve a meringue-like, sun-dried confection made of muka nuts and lulai berries as a final closing act of each play.
We found the recipe in ancient books as well as review of a performance from the 1930s.
Collaborators
Idea by Jericca Cleland; Execution by Ioana Badea, Robyn Baker, Erin Bradner + Tara McPherson.