What a fabulous night of entertainment we have at the Nelson Theatre Royal. Fever: Return of the Ula is a celebration of the talents of Pacifica Queer, Trans, MVPFAFF+ and has been seven years in the making.

Fever is hosted by the trio of Goddesses, the Taka Tu Wops whose powerful voices are a delight to listen too as they present a combination of songs from a range of genres. From the raunchy lyrics of ‘Pussy’ to the soulful sounds of ‘Ku’u Aloha’ the Taka Tu Wops belt out their beautiful harmonies tirelessly.

Joining Taka Tu Wops is Fine Fatale, a quintet of excellent dancers whose combination of raunchy burlesque and Pacifica dance is an absolute joy to watch. The inimitable Choreography of Amanaki Prescott-Faletau and Mario Faumui is slick, and polished.

I imagine few in the audience have seen cabaret like this before with its combination of seductive dancing, racy songs and Pacifica beats. Nelson audiences love to embrace the new and this show is very well received by the enthusiastic audience.

Is is, however, more than a risqué cabaret show. The audience are there for a variety of reasons but I imagine for most it’s the chance for a fun night out. But behind this light-heartedness is a strong message of acceptance and the reclaiming of power.
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*An acronym to describe Pasifika identities; Mahu (Hawai’i and Tahiti), Vaka sa lewa lewa (Fiji), Palopa (Papua New Guinea) Fa’afafine (Samoa) Akava’ine (Rarotonga), Fakaleiti (Tonga), Fakafifine (Niue). The abbreviation is gaining increasing use to signify the existence of different Pacific cultures that have a strong presence in New Zealand. Other terms include Fakaleiti, Rae rae, and Fafafine. (Rainbow Directory)
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