Heiva San Diego 2024: Tamari'i of Te Rahiti Nui Present "Te meho Moho ‘e te vini ‘Ura"

Introduction by Uncle Roy Asuega, Lokelani's Rhythm of the Islands
Video credit: Aldryn Estacio & Stan Minabe

Program Agenda
1) Live Tahitian theme narration by Mia Fely, Te Rahiti Nui
2) Heva Heva Te Manu (‘Aparima) by Tapuarii Laughlin
3) Te Manu Pukarua (‘Aparima) by Gabilou Laughlin
4) Tamahine solo 'Ote'a Moho pehe by O Tahiti E
5) Tahitian theme narration by Moenau Rivera, Polylingual Reo Tahiti
6) Tamahhine solo 'Ote'a 'Ura pehe by Tahiti ‘Ora
7) Final 'Ote'a Te meho Moho ‘e te vini ‘Ura pehe by Tahiti ‘Ora
8) Tahitian theme narration by Moenau Rivera, Polylingual Reo Tahiti

Tahitian theme translation by Moenau Rivera, Polylingual Reo Tahiti

Theme: Te meho Moho ‘e te vini ‘Ura
In ages past, when the island of Rimatara was pure and untouched, there lived a bird of unparalleled beauty known as the Moho flycatcher. Its feathers shimmered with vivid hues of red, blue, yellow and green and it captivated the hearts of all who gazed upon it. At the same time, the parakeet ‘Ura, with its dark gray plumage, was overlooked and scorned by all despite its lively antics among the banana tree blossoms and its piercing calls that echoed throughout the forest.

In the beginning, they always sang, played, and danced together as equals, not caring about their differences in appearance. However, as time passed, ‘Ura became filled with envy and sadness at the attention Moho received and yearned to possess such magnificent and beautiful feathers. But how could ‘Ura rid the island of Moho’s vibrant color when the vigilant bird was always on guard? So ‘Ura bided its time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

And so it was, during the sweltering hours of midday when Moho succumbed to slumber, that ‘Ura seized its chance. Silently, ‘Ura crept towards Moho, plucking the green feathers from its wings then the yellow from its back and the red from its chest, all without rousing the sleeping beauty. But as ‘Ura reached for the blue feathers adoring Moho’s head, a fateful misstep occurred. Startled awake, Moho beheld its diminished splendor and fled in shame, seeking refuge amidst the murky depth of the swamp.

Now known as the Gray Moho, its once vibrant beautiful feathered coat gone, it shuns the light of day, hiding amongst the tall grasses to avoid the gaze of its former admirers. Only at dusk does the now Gray Moho emerge and sadly watches as the colorful ‘Ura dances in the branches above with its enchanting chirps, luring the attention and admiration from those below and forever reminding the world of its triumph over the once-beautiful Moho.



Heiva San Diego is a Reva Tahiti Production