Auditions are now open for The Lion King Reo Māori

Calling all wannabe movie stars - this is your moment! 

The first round of auditions for The Lion King Reo Māori are open, are the producers are encouraging everyone to have a go.

The production is being led by Oscar-nominated producer Chelsea Winstanley (Jojo Rabbit), and Tweedie Waititi (Moana Reo Māori, Rūrangi) from Matewa Media.

Chelsea Winstanley says in a press release: "You don't have to be from any particular rohe to audition, just like Moana Reo Māori we encourage everyone to have a go, Karawhiua!"

"But, you will be expected to pull it off nō reira kia kaha rā! Ko te mea nui ka ngākau nui
koe ki te reo Māori", adds Waititi.

The beloved Disney classic has been translated by te reo Māori experts, and the producers say different dialects will be celebrated through each character.

The lions will speak in the Tainui dialect, Timon and Pumba in Te Tai Tokerau, Rafiki in Tūhoe, Zazu in Taranaki, the Hyenas in Ngāti Kahungunu, and the Chorus will open to te motu whānui.

The first round of auditions will be held online, with some requiring hopefuls to sing in te reo Māori. However the producers say all are welcome to audition no matter your level of reo Māori fluency.

The Lion King Reo Māori is set to premiere in June 2022 to coincide with Matariki.

Winstanley and Waititi are working with actress Rachel House who will be the film's performance director, and Rob Ruha will act as musical director.

• For full audition information and to find out more about The Lion King Reo Māori, click HERE.

This article was originally published by NZ Herald and reproduced here with permission.

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