UPU
UPU Collective & PANNZ
- 6 October, 7pm: War Memorial Theatre | 7 October, 7pm: War Memorial Theatre
The power of Māori and Pasifika literature roaring to theatrical life.
The world of Oceania is not small. From the energetic volcanoes of O’ahu to the southern reaches of Aotearoa, she is borderless and vast -and growing bigger by the day. After decades of dismissal and disconnection, her children are closer than ever. It’s time for a reunion.
UPU means word. UPU gives the stage to some of Oceania’s most electrifying poets: writers like Maualaivao Albert Wendt, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Briar Grace-Smith, Karlo Mila, Hone Tuwhare, Sia Figiel, Ben Brown – they all have a home here.
In UPU, borders disappear and the theatre becomes a sea of islands. Be transported across an ocean to hear the voices dealing with colonisation, family, climate change, love, sex, religion, power and tourists.
Performed by a stellar cast of some of the best Tagata Moana actors in Aotearoa NZ – Maiava Nathaniel Lees, Mia Blake, Ana Corbett, Shadon Meredith, James Maeva, Nicola Kawana and Nora Aati.
Creative Team
Curator – Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Director – Fasitua Amosa
Set Design – Michael McCabe
Light and Projection Design – Rowan Pierce
Soundscape Design/ Original Composition – ‘Anonymouz’, aka Faiumu Matthew Salapu
Costume Design – Kristin Seth
Artist/ Projection Mamanu Design – Tyla Vaeau
Movement/ Choreographer – Joash Fahitua
Performers
Maiava Nathaniel Lees
Mia Blake
Ana Corbett
Shadon Meredith
James Maeva
Nicola Kawana
Nora Aati
Acknowledgements
Supported by Creative New Zealand, produced by UPU Collective and presented as part of the PANNZ (Performing Arts Network of New Zealand) touring programme.
Image credit: Andi Crown
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