Upu

AOTEAROA NZ

‍

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. In Samoan, 'upu' means 'word'.

Curated by award-winning poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa, Upu gives the stage to Oceania’s most electrifying poetry. Ben Brown, Karlo Mila, Albert Wendt and more; Upu is for the trailblazers, the icons and the new writers transforming Aotearoa today.

In Upu, borders disappear and for just over an hour, 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, Fasitua Amosa, Nicola Kāwana, Ana Corbett and Shadon Meredith.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

This show is made possible with the support of PANNZ.

‍

Accessibility

The Mayfair Theatre does not have disabled access. The easiest access into the auditorium is via one flight of stairs (18 steps) and up a slight ramp to get into the halfway point of the auditorium to row J which we recommend as the best seats for patrons with reduced mobility. Toilets are located at the very top of the stairs in the foyer.

‍