This show was created as part of the TAHI Creative Residency programme, in partnership with Creative NZ and Taki Rua Productions.

DETAILS

When: Wednesday 10 - Saturday 13 September 2025
Time: 8:00pm
Where: The Stage, BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria
Duration: 80 minutes
Audience Care: Recommended for audiences aged 13+. Contains mild coarse language.

BOOK NOW

Grass Roots is a heartfelt and charming musical about the colossal culture of rugby. From club fields to Eden Park, a queer boy embarks on an epic odyssey through the New Zealand Rugby ages. Join him in this historical exploration of takatāpuitanga, masculinity, fatherhood, and what it means to grow up in Aotearoa. Created for rangatahi and whānau, this powerful story speaks to all generations.

CREATIVE TEAM
Performer / Writer: Raureti Ormond (he/him) - Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Designer: Scott Maxim (he/him) - Tangata Tiriti
Set and Lighting Designer: Scott Maxim (he/him)
AV Designer: Grace O'Brien (she/her)

About Raureti

Raureti Ormond (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a musical theatre artist and storyteller descended from the waters of Waihāhā and Whanganui Bay. A graduate of Te Auaha with a Bachelor’s in Musical Theatre, Raureti has performed in major productions including Wicked, Les Misérables, and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. He is also known as ‘Pania’ in the award-winning drag rōpū, The Tīwhas. Passionate about telling stories that fuse musical theatre, history, and māoritanga, Raureti was nominated for Most Promising Emerging Artist for his debut show Hāpaitia at the 2024 NZ Fringe, and recently premiered his first full-length original musical He Ingoa at Kia Mau Festival.

See any two TAHI Festival shows at BATS Theatre
for just $30!

Get more art for your buck this TAHI Festival with a TAHI Taster Season Pass!
See any two TAHI Festival shows at BATS Theatre for just $30* – a saving of $10!

*T&Cs apply. See bats.co.nz for details.