“All works are powerfully delivered that the words and feeling stay with one long after the show has finished… a nimble, sophisticated, skilled, cohesive work”
Kate Gaul
Venue: Sydney Opera House Studio
Sydney
Thursday 8th May
It is an absolute privilege to encounter Upu at the Sydney Opera House Studio.
“Upu” is the name of the show, and the name of a collective based in New Zealand who create Pacific centred works for both stage and screen. “Upu”, meaning ‘word’, in many different languages of the Pacific Islands, brings together the voices of those living among the islands of the Pacific Ocean, also known as Te moana Nui a Kiwa. To hear and experience a rich storytelling culture, concerns and performance tradition is a delight and eye-opening experience. Magic!
“Upu” is performed by a cast of Aotearoa’s finest Pacific talent, curated by award-winning poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa.
Maiava Nathaniel Lees: “What keeps us here?”
Ensemble: “Islands and an ocean.”
Maiava Nathaniel Lees: “What makes us leave?”
Ensemble: “Islands and an ocean.”
Maiava Nathaniel Lees: “What holds us back?”
Ensemble: “Islands and an ocean.”
A striking start to the performance. To greet us, the company say hello in different Pacific languages: “Talofa! Aloha! Kia Orana! Kia Ora!” Letting us know that we are welcome to their world, but to tread with love and respect.
The show, Upu combines poetry as storytelling navigating the history, culture and post-colonial struggles of identity, geo-political challenges and perspectives of First Nations peoples. Set on a series of floating dark blocks – resonant of the many island homes of these peoples – an ensemble of six performers holds us spellbound for the hour of the show which comprises 23 poems complimented by movement, projection and evocative lighting.
To give you an idea of the range of material – a particular favourite with audiences was “Spam’s Carbon Footprint” by Craig Santos Pere and performed by Shadon Meredith, which explores the Americanisation of the islands. Invented by the army this canned meat product is popular in Guam. Through humour, disturbing reality, and engaging performance we are asked to consider the impact of foreign interference.
The use of haze and backlight at one point resonates with the challenges of climate change and the rising water levels in the Pacific. Specifically, the Marshall Islands. Beautiful but chilling! Captain Cook’s travails are humorously touched on as the troupe tells of alleged cannibalism. Other works I noted were Sia Figiel’s “Songs of the Fat Brown Woman” and Brandy Nālani McDougall’s, “Natives Wante”’. Darker territory is entered with “This is a photo of my Home”, by Tusiata Avia – a story about secrecy and domestic violence. All works are powerfully delivered that the words and feeling stay with one long after the show has finished.
This is a nimble, sophisticated, skilled, cohesive work – perfect for touring and one that opens hearts and minds to our nearest neighbours across a wide ocean or culture, emotion and geography. Recommended!
Image: Daniel Boud
Kate Gaul, Theatre Now
