What happens in Vegas
If anyone knows what it’s like to feel torn, it’s Cian Elyse White.
The long-time actor, writer, producer and director has – unsurprisingly, she says – found herself in the midst of controversy with her new role in the TVNZ drama Vegas.
It’s been slammed on social media and carefully dissected in news media for what’s seen by some as problematic and stereotypical portrayal of Maori, playing into gang tropes and Once Were Warriors territory.
Cian, a proud wahine Maori from Te Arawa (Ngati Pikiao), knew it was coming.
“I understand where Maori are coming from. When you see a show that uses the vehicle of gang or crime life to tell that story of redemption, that knee-jerk reaction is of course going to be one of disdain,” she says.
“But,” she adds, “I’m up for those conversations. I’m up for walking towards the korero and challenges and questions and embracing a response from our people. Doesn’t mean I’m not nervous about it – I’m really conscious of the pain, the trauma, the disappointment, the passion – but I’m here for it, because I believe it’s all going to work out for the betterment of indigenous storytellers in the end.”
Cian, 32, (as Lara) and (as Hannah), the Briar Grace-Smith and Ainsley Gardiner film (as Gloria) and for her award-winning te reo Maori short film , which won best NZ film at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival awards last year.
