Grass Roots | Kōanga Festival 2026

Te Pou Theatre’s Kōanga Festival 2026 presents Grass Roots
A semi-autobiographical musical comedy based on Raureti Ormond’s life as the (very) queer son of a pro rugby 

“Flanker!? I don’t even know her!?!”

Written and performed by Raureti Ormond, Grass Roots is a semi-autobiographical musical comedy based on his life as the (very) queer son of a pro rugby player.

From the club fields to Eden Park, a young man embarks on an odyssey through the New Zealand Rugby Ages. Join him in this historical exploration of queerness, masculinity and the mighty Land of the Long White Cloud. Featuring iconic kiwi hits, you’re in for a ruck-us night! Lace up those cleats... Grass Roots is about to kick off!

This solo show examines the good and the bad of rugby; the machismo and dysfunction, the camaraderie and pride. It unearths the forgotten stories of the game, from the legends of 18th Century Warwickshire to the tales of the 1981 Springbok Tour – and you can’t forget a very important stop in the clubhouse changing room! Most importantly, it speaks to the nature of growing up as a takatāpui/queer person in Aotearoa. The ultimate catharsis is found within the bond shared by a father and son, who seemingly come from two different worlds, but teach each other the true measure of what it means to be a man.

THE SHOW ENDS. THE VIBES KEEP GOING.

No full-time whistle just yet! Head to Te Kōpua (Foyer) for the official Grass Roots after-party - with live music, kai, connection and good vibes, featuring a tunes from a live band.

Whether you’ve just come out of the show or you’re simply here for the vibes — nau mai, haere mai! Bring your crew and keep the night going. More details available here.

LIVE BAND | THE GROTESQUE

In 2025 vocal powerhouse theatre maker extraordinaire, Brady Peeti, brought together Bray Jeffrey, Rhohil Kishore, and Māiamārama Huia to create a band for her one woman rock show ‘What Happened to Mary-Anne’. She named them The Grotesque. And they were. For the first time since What Happened To Mary-Anne, The Grotesque are getting back together to play a collection of covers, originals and jams, and they can’t wait!