With a unique blend of theatre, dance and miming, White Face Crew are on a mission to address social issues such as homelessness through comedy and laughter.
One third of the cast is Jarod Rawiri of Shortland Street stardom, who still finds time for this unexpected style of performance.
"We always have this undercurrent of a really important social or political message within our works," he told TVNZ 1’s Te Karare.
"But ultimately, we want them to feel a sense of connection and love and magic and aroha."
White Face Crew are currently in rehearsal for their award-winning show, Double Derelicts. The show is aimed at addressing the current social issue of homelessness.
Its current form was influenced by the homeless people the crew encountered when they first preformed the show in Auckland's Aotea Square.
"We built this piece around the couch - with these street characters and how they interact with the couch - and there were homeless people watching the show," he said. "From that point we went, 'Okay, we really need to invest in these characters and invest in this social issue that’s going on here in Tamaki.
"So we blew the piece up and created a narrative, and at the heart of it was reconciliation between whānau. Because these people do have whānau."
The company was established in 2010 with Rawiri, Justin Haiu and Tama Jarman. Since then, they’ve gained recognition for their unique ability to synchronize different art forms together. Each member brings a different mix of of mime, clowning and contemporary dance to the stage.
White Face Crew believe that at the end of the day, raising social consciousness is what they're in the business for.
"This stuff is super important because this is the reason why we're in this industry," Rawiri said. "And it also is the best way to express what you have to say - and what you want to say."
Double Derelicts will showcase at the community hub Te Oro in Auckland tonight and tomorrow. Tickets are available online .
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