NEW ZEALAND POETRY & THEATRE

UPU - A journey through the heartbeat of Pacific poetry

An electrifying celebration of Māori and Pasifika literature brings the powerful voices of Oceania to life by international award-winning collective UPU.

Curated by poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa, this acclaimed theatrical work consists of the upu (meaning ‘words’) from 23 poets, including young activists, Poet Laureates and literary prize winners.

Spanning five decades and over a dozen cultures across Te Moana nui a Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), the poems share the myriad of stories and perspectives of people connected by the largest body of water on earth. UPU is performed in English by six of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated actors, who masterfully create a snapshot of experiences as broad and deep as the Pacific Ocean.

Enhanced by evocative lights, projections, and a multi-layered soundscape, UPU is a celebration of the Pacific, its people, and their stories.

UPU’s Canadian tour follows its sold-out run at the Sydney Opera House!

The Port Theatre wrote the Canada Council for the Arts grant to bring this production to Canada.

Artistic Director & Co-Creator: Fasitua Amosa
Curator & Co-Creator: Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Producer: Ana Corbett

Production Manager & Sound Engineer: Emily Hakaraia
Lighting & Projection Design & Technical Operator: Rowan Pierce
Soundscape Design & Original Composition: Faiumu Matthew Salapu
Set Design: Michael McCabe

Costume Design: Kristen Seth
Artist & Cultural Design Elements (Mamanu Design): Tyla Vaeau
Movement & Choreography: Joash Fahitua

UPU features the work of the following poets:
Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Craig Santos Perez, Sia Figiel, Briar Grace-Smith, Daren Kamali, Karlo Mila, Grace Mera Molisa, Noʻu Revilla, Celestine Kulagoe, John Pule, Tafea Polamalu, Leilani Tamu, Apirana Taylor, Teresia Teaiwa, Hone Tuwhare, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Konai Helu Thaman, Albert Leomala, Maualaivao Albert Wendt and Lyz Soto.

“It swept the audience up in wave after wave after wave of passion, emotion, of storytelling at its finest that pulled at the soul.” – NZ Herald