New Samoan Opera Summons Ancient with the Voices of Sol3 Mio

Media release

Wednesday 23 January, 2019

New Samoan Opera Summons the Ancient with the Voices of Sol3 Mio

Alofagia: Le Opera is a visceral, uplifting theatre experience featuring the powerful operatic voices of brothers Pene and Amitai Pati, and their cousin Moses Mackay – of Sol3 Mio. The trio will premiere new compositions by Poulima Salima and will be supported by guest artists and local community members, under the direction of award-winning director, Anapela Polata’ivao.

Drawing on ancient Samoan truths, echoing a time when Gods governed, this new opera is a summoning to re-imagine our unique Samoan leo (voice), connecting with our vibrational existence before the arrival of the missionaries, and the introduction of a belief system that set Samoa on a new course. Alofagia: Le Opera is a unique theatre event, traversing the multidimensional realms of a re-imagined ancient Samoa, through a ceremony of pesepesega (singing), projection and movement.

This is the second production staged by TAPA (Tautua Aiga of Performance Art), in association with Nathan Homestead, as part of the Homestead's annual Summer Theatre in the Gardens programme. Celebrating the rich talent of South Auckland, and showcasing the historic Nathan Homestead and surrounding gardens for a beautiful night out under the stars.

Proudly brought to you by Auckland Council and Nathan Homestead, a community arts facility supported by the Manurewa Local Board.

Co-produced by: Nathan Homestead and TAPA

Assistant producer: Stacey Leilua

Direction / original concept: Anapela Polata’ivao

Original score: Poulima Salima, with directorial contribution from Anapela Polata’ivao

Assistant director: Vela Saute

Concept and costume design: Lindah Lepou

Choreographer: Tupua Tigafua

Lyricists: Mamea Salima Ropeti, Wilhelm Voigt, Rev. Masunu Utumapu and Poulima Salima

Poster design: DAKU-SET

Projection artist: Rangituhia Hollis

TICKETING

Tickets are available online at www.eventfinda.co.nz or can be purchased directly from the following Auckland Council arts centres:

Te Oro (09) 890 8560

Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku (09) 262 5789

Hawkins Theatre (09) 297 7712

Waged: $20

Unwaged: $15

Groups of six or more: $12 each

PERFORMANCES

Thursday 14 February 8:30 - 10pm

Friday 15 February 8:30 - 10pm

Saturday 16 February 8:30 - 10pm

© Scoop Media