Past Event27 Jun 2024

TOLU

No longer available

Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre

Music

Prepare to be swept away on a rhythmic journey as Pacific Dance NZ, and NZTrio join forces to present TOLU — a showcase of artistic fusion and melodic brilliance. Meaning 'three' in many Polynesian languages, TOLU is set to break boundaries and traditions as NZTrio takes a vibrant detour into the heart of MOANA, crafting a musical medley that resonates with the colourful tapestry of the Pacific.

Through music and dance, the audience will be taken on a journey across the ocean, where music is a metaphor for the interconnectedness of our Pacific Island cultures. The vast Moana Nui A Kiwa is a highway that the Pacific people traverse through time and space, with our ultimate destination being Aotearoa.

Directly connected to navigation are the ways in which modern issues like climate change have begun to affect our oceans, our islands, and our cultures. Through movement, scenography, and the inclusion of Western music, the play between these elements enables the audience to contemplate the current effects of these changing environments. TOLU becomes a reflection of rising sea levels, environmental impacts, modern influences on Pacific cultures, and how we adapt to meet these modern provocations.

On the cusp of Matariki, this is a triumphant conclusion to the 2024 Pacific Dance Festival, promising a performance that transcends genres and captivates the senses. Curated with precision, the repertoire boasts a bold Pacific flavour - a celebration of diversity and a testament to the collaborative spirit that binds cultures through art. Prepare for an evening of lively entertainment, where the stage comes alive with the pulsating heartbeat of the Pacific, beckoning both seasoned aficionados and new enthusiasts seeking a unique and enchanting experience.

TOLU is not just a concert; it's a testament to the magic that happens when creativity knows no bounds and collaboration takes centre stage.

About the team behind TOLU

TOLU is directed by Iosefa Enari MNZM. Enari has worked closely with NZTrio and Pacific music director Aiono Manu Faaea-Semeatu to compile a soundscape that represents various Pacific cultures in Aotearoa. Drawn from the music of Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii and Aotearoa, this will be performed by NZTrio (Amalia Hall, Ashley Brown and Liam Wooding) alongside guest musicians and dancers from Pacific Dance NZ. The work includes vibrant, visual scenography by NZ Arts Laureate FAFSWAG and award-winning production designer Filament Eleven11. It will also feature works from renowned composer and NZ Arts Laureate John Psathas. Arrangements of the Pacific music have been provided by Poulima Salima, Ryan Youens, and John-Paul Muir.


About Pacific Dance NZ

Pacific Dance NZ is a leading organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of Pacific dance in New Zealand. Through festivals, workshops, and community initiatives, Pacific Dance NZ plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific through dance.


About NZTrio

NZTrio is New Zealand's leading contemporary classical ensemble, renowned for its dynamic performances and innovative programming. Comprising three exceptional musicians, NZTrio explores the intersection of classical and contemporary music, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with its distinctive sound.


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