FATU NA TOTŌ
Created by Tupe Lualua
2013 - 2018
Written and directed by Tupe Lualua, this dance theatre work is a contribution to the migration story. Addressing issues of culture, displacement, identity, love and loyalty. Creatively woven together and expressed through live music and intricate yet striking choreography.
Image by Peme Pemarika
“…this work sails in a new direction, and enlarges the world”
Theatreview Auckland
“I was still smiling hours later”
Capital Times
Best Ensemble Award
San Diego International Fringe Festival
1918
Directed by Tupe Lualua
Choregraphed by Andy Faiaoga
2015 - 2018
Inspired by the memories of Avea'i Fui, and the research of Dr. John Ryan McLane, 1918 is a response to the devastating Spanish Influenza Pandemic of that same year which swept across the globe but had its most detrimental effects in the New Zealand colony of Western Samoa. Claiming the lives of 25% of the total population of Sāmoa, this event led to Samoa's resistance against the New Zealand colonial government.
Image by Moana HoChing
“A HEADY, POIGNANT AND POLISHED WORK"
Theatreview Auckland
Critics Choice Award
San Diego International Fringe Festival
Top Box Office Award
Spreckels' Theatre San Diego
Image by Andrew Matautia
PURPLE ONION
Directed by Tupe Lualua
Music Director Savali Andrews
2017
Sensual submission laced with live funk, explosive dancing and intoxicating melodies. Peep into the world of Wellington’s infamous 1970s strip club, the Purple Onion.
Established in the mid 1960s, the infamous burlesque parlour was Wellington’s premiere strip club attracting some of New Zealand's social elite as well as its fair share of dubious characters.
“Le Moana are to be applauded for bringing to the stage a slice of some of Wellington’s more enigmatic history and the stories of Pacific culture which are often swept under the rug”
DANZ Review
