Who is Joel Te Teira?
On paper a Māori playwright, musician and theatre producer. In reality a perpetual work in progress.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I was asked this question a few years ago I would’ve had a more concise answer. I think what I’m doing now is what I always wanted to do but didn’t know it yet.
Who inspires you and why?
The guy driving the forklift at the local warehouse. The people on graveyard shift at the docks. The single mothers working two jobs. Class seems to be a recurring theme in stories I want to tell and I’m over people with money and resources having all the opportunities and platforms to reach audiences. Outside of that my biggest inspirations are friends and family that became ancestors too soon. There’s so many questions I would’ve asked if I’d have known.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I really believe in the power of theatre to ignite change. Live performance at its best holds a mirror up to society and makes us interrogate why we operate as we do. First People’s theatre in particular is inherently political so if I can contribute to the conversation or get people asking questions in this post-colonial shitstorm I’m gonna do it.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
The west coast of Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Shoes off, windows wound down. Fresh seafood every day. You won’t find any buildings over two-stories, no travel agents. No traffic lights for miles. The land there doesn’t feel too changed by time and hasn’t been overly developed or sold off to the highest bidder. My homeland and culture are anchors that have guided everything I’ve written to date and I get back as often as I can.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
A pub crawl of all my favourite live music venues. To support all my favourite live music venues.
What are you currently reading?
1985: A Novel by Dominic Hoey. I’ve learnt a lot from him about discipline and consistency of arts practice since we studied Literature at University together. Dom dropped out and started writing novels while I wasted years thinking about writing.
What are you currently listening to?
The playlist I made as a reference point for the Sound Designer on my play Back to Te Maunga. A lot of waiata and classics my aunties listened to when I was growing up.
Happiness is?
Hopefully just around the corner.
What does the future hold for you?
Happiness (hopefully).
Joel is the playwright of Back to Te Maunga – which will be presented at the La Mama Courthouse from 4 – 22 March 2026. For more information, visit: www.lamama.com.au for details.
Image: Joel Te Teira (supplied)