Maiava
Fonua was a dynamic large-scale theatre work showcasing the diverse voices of the Polynesian community in South Auckland, led by Directors Jason Manumu’a and Troy Tu’ua, and Musical Director Sosaia Folau, as part of the Auckland Arts Festival in March 2017.
Fonua was the Polynesian community’s response to the global challenge of climate change, from the perspective of some of the most affected nations in the world. Using song, dance, chanting and physical performance, this new work highlighted that a global crisis requires a shift from individualism to an urgent collective call for change.
“What are the messages that we as Polynesians can share with the world? How can we ourselves take action and encourage other cultures to follow suit?” Jason Manumu’a, Artistic Director.
Fonua was co-produced by the Auckland Arts Festival, supported through the Auckland Diversity Project Fund and part of the Auckland Arts Festival Whānui programme.
"Whānui is a communal adventure: a collection of participatory arts projects in which an amazing mix of people who call Auckland home create, join in with and experience artworks in the many spaces and places that form our neighbourhoods – street corners, shopping centres, parks and marae."
It was a series of new works that came from creative partnerships between established artists and the creative communities of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Check out the video below of all five of the Whānui projects from the Festival including Fonua .
Thanks to: Creative New Zealand, Foundation North, The Office of Ethnic Communities, The Māngere Arts Centre Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, and the Māngere Ōtāhuhu Local Board
