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UPU

7 – 10 May 2025

In the Studio

Theatre

Be immersed in the heart of the Pacific Ocean with UPU, a dynamic and electrifying theatre experience. With powerful poetry, compelling storytelling and unforgettable performances, it brings the ocean’s rich voices to life, exploring cultural struggles, joy and identity across the islands.

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

Useful information:

Poems as broad and deep as the Pacific Ocean itself

UPU – meaning ‘word’ in many different languages of the Pacific Islands– is a collection of voices from a people who live on a sea of islands connected by the largest body of water on earth, known as Te moana Nui a Kiwa, or the Pacific Ocean.

Through the words of 23 poets, ranging from young voices to acclaimed literary figures, UPU explores a rich tapestry of stories, experiences, and perspectives from First Nations peoples of the islands. 

These poems reflect on cultural identity, history and the challenges faced by Pacific communities — from Hawaiians debating Captain Cook’s legacy, the joys of SPAM in Guam and other Americanised islands and the Marshall Islands’ struggle against rising seas. The show’s magic comes alive through a cast of Pacific performers, each with a rich background in theatre, film and television, whose passionate delivery of these powerful poems will transport you across the ocean. 

Enhanced by evocative lights, projections, and a multi-layered soundscape, be immersed in an intimate and unforgettable experience. UPU is a celebration of the Pacific, its people and their stories.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Cast

Creatives

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
Stage Manager: Edward Peni

Executive Producer: Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ)
PANNZ Producer: Andrew Malmo

UPU features the work of the following poets:
Tusiata AviaBen BrownBrandy Nālani McDougallCraig Santos Perez, Sia FigielBriar Grace-SmithDaren KamaliKarlo Mila, Grace Mera MolisaNoʻu RevillaCelestine KulagoeJohn PuleTafea PolamaluLeilani Tamu, Apirana TaylorTeresia TeaiwaHone Tuwhare, Selina Tusitala MarshKathy Jetñil-KijinerKonai Helu ThamanAlbert LeomalaMaualaivao Albert Wendt and Lyz Soto.

Plan your visit

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