Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
A play based on a self-published book of poems by a Pacific Island’s author features at this year’s Dunedin Fringe Festival which kicks off this week.
The play is called ‘My Grandfather is a Canoe’ by Christchurch-based writer and social entrepreneur Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i.
The publicity material teases it as follows: “It begins with a journey among the Pacific sea as you are transported away by performances of prayers. Praise expressed through songs to distant stars above as you lose yourself in the love letters for sun-drenched voyagers.”
The show is directed by Marisiale Tunoka (who appeared in the Netflix movie The Royal Treatment).
And helping bring the production together are musicians Hiliako Iaheto, Oliver Tafuna’i, Waisea McGoon and Siosi Kei. Other members of the crew come from across the Pacific – Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, Fiji, Maori and Papua New Guinea.
This piece offers audiences the chance to be the first to see innovative and experimental new work from established and emerging artists. Proudly presenting shows with Pacific and Maori stories.
The play’s premier is set for the 25th to the 26th March at Macandrew Bay Community Hall, Greenacres St, Dunedin 9014.
Tafuna’i is also presenting a workshop at the Fringe on March 17 that’s part of the ‘Fr_Ed Talks:’ series called ‘Wayfinding for Creatives.”
The workshop takes participants through wayfinding strategies,”so you gain better clarity on your next show, and your arts practice. It’s a fast changing environment out there and wayfinding gives you the skills to navigate through it and achieve your Island Of Success.”
The Dunedin Fringe Festival is the world’s southernmost Fringe event. And it runs from March 17th to the 27th.
Find out more at: https://www.dunedinfringe.nz
