After a stepping back from the spotlight for almost a decade, multi-talented Māori entertainer, Mika is making a one-night only return to the stage in his spectacular new Tribal Pop Opera – Pō | Beautiful Darkness.

Mika calls together the fiery cultures of the Pacific Rim to create a powerful, large scale performance showcasing the raw beauty of native song and dance, combined with the rich musicianship of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra under conductor Hamish McKeich.

The Pasifika Festival presents Pō | Beautiful Darkness, Friday 12 March at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge. Pō is also the opening event for Auckland’s brand new AROHA Festival, which runs from 12-20 March, 2010.

Mika delivers ringing anthems and bittersweet lullabies, alongside a cast of local and international dancers and musicians, to create a living, breathing, contemporary house of ancestors remembered – and imagined.

“Pō is the discovery of the darkness inside,” says Mika. “A darkness that is beautiful and can live on eternally.”

This musical dreamscape will sweep the audience out of their seats on a journey of cultural discovery and fusion – from flying crescendos high above the stage to the deep rumbles that drive great haka.

Acclaimed composer Gareth Farr has collaborated with Mika on an entirely original score for Pō. The Tribal Pop Opera is brought to the stage through the direction of Mark James Hamilton, with additional musical direction from Penny Dodd.

Internationally acclaimed and outrageously exotic Japanese dancer Shakti, and classically trained Indonesian dancer Alfira, will perform below soaring aerial artist Shayne Comino, and alongside a cast of New Zealand contemporary and traditional Māori dancers, including Nancy Wijohn, Mokoera Te Amo and Mika Haka Company.

Pō | Beautiful Darkness is a 100% New Zealand Māori production with a uniquely exotic international appeal – a breathtakingly beautiful exploration of sound and vision that was made to excite and inspire.

Singer, dancer, film and TV star, Mika has been a kiwi icon since the late 80s.

Mika has performed for Prince Charles at Holyrood Palace, warmed up for Grace Jones in New York, and wowed the critics at an astonishing eight Edinburgh Festivals. Described as more colourful than a Disney cartoon, this unique Māori artist and entertainer has captivated audiences around the world.

Mika was born in Te Wai Pounamu, the southern island of Aotearoa, New Zealand. His family remembers him singing before he could speak, and the small child who began dancing in front of the TV was crowned South Island Disco King while still in his teens.

The young Mika was a Māori breakdance pioneer, winning the seminally important Flashdance Champs, before turning to aerobics and finishing 8th in World Competition. Between all this hi-energy hoofing, he studied at the National School of Ballet and, after a brief stint in the National Māori Theatre Company, Mika went solo…

Mika – the larger than life persona – has since become a Polynesian legend!

After winning acclaim throughout New Zealand, he has commanded attention in the UK and US, France, Australia and the Pacific Islands, as well as Tokyo, Montreal, Mexico City, Havana, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Milan and Moscow. Today, Mika enjoys enviable scope as an accomplished artist whose work spans stage, film, television and music. He has released six albums and had his own show on Māori Television. He has developed a tribe of multi-talented performers and works every day to keep young New Zealanders active and healthy through the Mika Haka Foundation.

With one poised foot in the past, Mika is always looking towards the future.

Tihei Mauriora! May the breath of life be with you!