I acknowledge the kaitiaki (guardians) and mana whenua of Te Whanganui-a-Tara; whose lands we gathered on for Kia Mau Festival to take place. I also acknowledge the significance of the week in which both these Pasifika contemporary works were performed – marking 50 years since the Dawn Raids in Aotearoa New Zealand. Furthermore, I acknowledge champions of Pacific languages, arts and culture back in the Pacific Island nations and here in Aotearoa New Zealand – we thank you for allowing Pacific arts and peoples to thrive in the 21st century.

“E sui faiga ae tumau faavae”, the alaga’upu Sāmoa or Samoan proverb relays the message that though our practices may change, the foundations stay the same. The show O Le Pa’a Ona Vae, by Samoana Nokise and her powerful cast of movers (Jacob Ioapo, Wahia Te Pouri Felise, Petesa Maea), is a perfect example of this proverb. The cast explores the evolution of Siva Sāmoa (Samoan Dance) – incorporating contemporary dance elements whilst still holding onto traditional dance techniques such as the se’e (gliding of the feet), and a spirituality that underpins Siva Sāmoa.  They take their ancestors, family, and village with them through the choreography.

 O Le Pa’a Ona Vae represents Samoan storytelling at its finest – clean and mature choreography taking audience members on a malaga (journey); the ability of the performers to move between feminine and masculine movement qualities; the nostalgic voices and sounds of Sāmoa – the igi of the guitar (Samoan guitar picking technique); the hymns and pese (songs) that transport me to a family tona’i (feast) and gathering, or the chambers of a church; and the reminder of how physically demanding and difficult Siva Sāmoa can be, when done with one’s whole spiritual, emotional and physical self.

 Both TINĀ and  O Le Pa’a Ona Vae symbolise an exciting time within the arts sector in Aotearoa, where more of our artists who whakapapa to Te Moana Nui-a-Kiwa, are sharing the measina (gifts) of our Pacific homelands – the culture, the practices, the languages, and songs through contemporary work. TULOU Collective and  Samoana Nokise share their creative talents at Kia Mau Festival by putting alofa (love) and fa’aaloalo (respect) at the centre of their practice and uplifting their collaborators within the process and the product. The respect, admiration and support for these Teine Toa was shown through the villages that showed up to support them. Mālō lava le galue – Thank you for all your work.

 _https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/stage-and-theatre/300338215/kia-mau-festival-collaboration-and-cohesiveness-shine-in-raw-tin______________________________

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