Video by: Checkervideo Productions (@checkervideo) & Te Rahiti Nui
Theme introduction by: Uncle Roy Asuega, Lokelani’s Rhythm of the Islands
Theme translation and Tahitian narration by: Moenau Rivera, Polylingual Reo Tahiti
Presentation: Te meho Moho ‘e te vini ‘Ura
1) Tahitian theme narration by: Moenau Rivera
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) Tamahhine solo 'Ote'a 'Ura pehe by: Tahiti ‘Ora
6) Final 'Ote'a Te meho Moho ‘e te vini ‘Ura pehe by: Tahiti ‘Ora
Theme: Te meho Moho ‘e te vini ‘Ura
In ages past, when the island of Rimatara was fresh 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. Meanwhile, 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, indifferent to their appearances, they always sang, played, and danced together as equals, but eventually ‘Ura became filled with envy and sadness at the attention Moho received and yearned to possess feathers as magnificent as those of Moho. But how could ‘Ura rid the island of Moho’s vibrant color, when the vigilant bird was always on guard? ‘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 swam. Now known as the Gray Moho, its once vibrant beautiful feathere3d coat gone, it shuns the light of day, hiding among the tall grasses to avoid the gaze of its former admirers. Only at dusk does the Gray Moho emerge, but sadly watches as ‘Ura a dances in the branches above with its enchanting chirps luring the attention and admiration from those below, forever reminding the world of its triumph over the once-beautiful Moho.