Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
In a fusion of Pasifika artistry and classical opera, NZ Opera’s new show ‘(M)Orpheus’ is a reimagined rendition of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s “Orfeo Ed Euridice.”
The production promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of singing and contemporary Pasifika dance, choreographed by the renowned Black Grace dance group.
Samson Setu, who takes on the role of Orpheus, enthuses about the show’s Pasifika influences.
“You get an abundance of Pasifika art form, celebrated through singing and dance, sometimes intertwining to create a mesmerising spectacle,” he says
Orpheus is the character in Greek mythology who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice, guided by the God of Love.
While the outcome varies in different versions, the show promises to engage audiences with its timeless themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Despite initial challenges in learning the music, Setu praises the patient musical team and director Neil Ieremia for helping him embody the character through a Pasifika lens, weaving in Samoan legends and Greek mythology.
Faith Schuster, a dancer in the show, highlights the production’s unique blend of modern, classical, and traditional elements, inviting audiences to experience it firsthand.
For those unfamiliar with opera, Setu hopes ‘(M)Orpheus’ will serve as a gateway to this art form, aiming to cultivate more Pasifika opera enthusiasts.
“I want the audience to take away from this that opera can be enjoyable. You know, it’s still a very foreign art form to Pasifika,” he says.
“I want them to be able to come here and enjoy this one and be like, ‘I’d love to see another opera one day’, you know, given that not all operas are going to be this influenced by Pasifika.”
(M)Orpheus is currently playing at the ASB Waterfront Theatre and moves to Wellington’s Opera House for a short run on the 20th.
