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.
| Date | Time |
| Wednesday 7 May 2025 | 7pm |
| Thursday 8 May 2025 | 7pm |
| Friday 9 May 2025 | 7pm |
| Saturday 10 May 2025 | 7pm |
| Ticket | Price |
| Standard | $45.90 |
| Concession Australian Pensioners and full-time Australian Students, must show valid ID | $30.90 |
$8.95 booking fee applies per transaction
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Sydney Opera House Insiders pre-sale
9am, Tuesday 25 March 2025
Become a Sydney Opera House Insider to receive exclusive pre-sale access
What’s On e-newsletter pre-sale
9am, Wednesday 26 March 2025
General Public tickets on-sale
9am, Friday 28 March 2025
Wheelchair accessible:
There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in our theatres. To book accessible seating contact Box Office:
Telephone
+61 2 9250 7777
(Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST)
Email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
Run time
The duration of this event is 60 minutes.
Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Age
Recommended for ages 15+
Performance will contain strong language and adult themes.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
NZ HeraldIt swept the audience up in wave after wave after wave of passion, emotion, of storytelling at its finest that pulled at the soul.
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
Gallery
Gallery
Cast
Maiava Nathaniel Lees is a New Zealand theatre actor and director and film actor of Samoan descent, best known for film roles in The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and for starring in Young Hercules as Chiron the centaur. He appeared in 30 Days of Night with Josh Hartnett. He also played Master Mao in the Power Rangers series Power Rangers Jungle Fury.
Early television appearances in New Zealand included a regular role in the 1989 series Shark in the Park. He is also well known for a long career in theatre, having received many prestigious rewards for his contribution to the arts. Lees was one of the influential actors that paved the way for Pacific theatre in New Zealand. In 2004 he was awarded the Senior Pacific Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards.
Nicola Kāwana (Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Kahungungu o Wairarapa) stands among Aotearoa’s most talented and successful actors. Trained with the Taranaki Youth Theatre and a graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, Nicola's career spans across theatre, television, and film.
While many still recognise her from prominent roles in Shortland Street and Jackson’s Wharf, Nicolas screen work is extensive, and her versatility shines across genres. From starring alongside Martin Clunes in The Man Who Lost His Head and playing opposite Temuera Morrison in Fresh Meat; to the comedic adventure of Netflix’s The New Legends of Monkey and the drama of One Lane Bridge, she continues to showcase her range.
As a sought after stage presence, she performs regularly with New Zealand’s most prominent theatre companies. Highlights include Auckland Theatre Company’s North by Northwest and Rendered, Silo Theatre’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit, and the internationally toured UPU, which recently captivated audiences in Montreal.
Beyond acting, Nicola has showcased her passion for horticulture as the host of Whānau Living and Get Growing; these roles blending storytelling with her commitment to sustainable gardening practices. Her recent foray into playwriting with Kūpapa adds another layer to her impressive creative repertoire.
Mia Blake is a highly accomplished Tongan–New Zealand actress renowned for her extensive body of work across film, screen, and theatre. Notably, she garnered multiple awards for her outstanding performance in the lead role of Director Toa Fraser's acclaimed feature No.2 and the short film This is Her. Her diverse film credits include The Tattooist, 6 Days and Stray.
In her latest television venture, she graced the screen in TVNZ's series After the Party alongside Robyn Malcolm and Peter Mullan, following previous appearances in One Lane Bridge and Shortland Street. Mia's theatrical contributions are equally remarkable, featuring lead roles in productions for The Silo Theatre, including A Streetcar Named Desire, Angels in America, White Rabbit, Red Rabbit and most recently Upu Mai Whetu.
Ana Corbett (Aotearoa, Kolovai – Tonga, Lakeba – Fiji, Sapapali'i – Samoa) is an experienced arts professional and a rising star in the acting world, based in Naarm (Melbourne).
She was most recently seen as high-powered defense lawyer Ava Shaw in Shortland Street (2024) and earned praise for her compelling presence and emotional depth in the Australian TV series Totally, Completely Fine (2023). Ana has also joined the cast of the upcoming Apple TV+ thriller series The Dispatcher (2025), starring Patrick Brammall.
Her physical strength and stage combat skills were showcased in her lead role in Auckland Theatre Company’s O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai (2024). An accomplished athlete, she is also a former top tennis player in New Zealand.
Beyond acting, Ana is a sought-after voice-over artist, featuring in campaigns for major brands like Fisher & Paykel, Fonterra, New World, and Kiwibank.
She is also a producer and co-founder of UPU COLLECTIVE, the team behind the award-winning theatre production UPU. This Sydney Opera House exclusive season marks UPU's Australian premiere.
A proud graduate of the NZ Drama School:Toi Whakaari, Ana is an exciting talent to watch.
Shadon Meredith is a dynamic New Zealand-born Sāmoan actor with a commanding presence on stage and screen. A Toi Whakaari graduate, he has built an impressive career performing locally and internationally.
His theatre work includes King Lear and The Seagull (Auckland Theatre Company), UPU (Silo Theatre, toured to Mexico City and Montreal), and multiple productions with Red Leap Theatre, including the upcoming Wrest (May 2025). He also created and performed Waiting, an award-winning solo devised work under his company, SOS + SHA Creative.
On screen, Shadon starred as Andy in Rūrangi (Season 2) and appeared in Shortland Street, My Life is Murder (Season 3), and Double Parked. He was also a presenter and writer for Seasons 1–3 of TVNZ’s Toi Time.
His film credits include Shut Eye, Darkest Light, and The Paragon, which premiered at major international festivals before gaining a cult following after its U.S. release in 2024, earning recognition from The New York Times.
Spanning theatre, television, and film, Shadon’s work continues to captivate audiences.
Fasitua Amosa is a seasoned NZ-Samoan actor known for his versatility in drama, comedy, and stage performances. He has just wrapped up on the TV Drama series A Remarkable Place to Die. He starred in all three seasons of the US NBC series Young Rock and appeared in Netflix's The New Legend of Monkey.
His other notable TV credits include The Gulf, Fresh Eggs, Harry and Shortland Street. On stage, he has performed in productions by Auckland Theatre Company and Silo, with roles in King Lear, The Seagull, Rendered, A Streetcar Named Desire and To Kill a Mockingbird.
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 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.
Plan your visit
Venue information
Our foyers will be open two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.
You may bring drinks into the venue to enjoy during the performance. Hot beverages, red wine, glassware and food however cannot be brought in due to safety and to help maintain the character of the building.
All Sydney Opera House foyers are pram accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators). Pram parking will be available outside the theatres in the Western Foyer.
Getting here
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see the Wilson Parking website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six minute walk to the Opera House.
Frequently asked questions
Ticket purchases and collection at our Box Office is discouraged and eTicket or postal delivery methods should be used, wherever possible. However, if you are collecting your tickets from the Box Office, we recommend doing this at least 60 minutes before the event starts. If you have already received your tickets, the venue doors will be open 45 minutes pre-show for Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 30 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Please take your seats as soon as you arrive.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as we can and, where possible, in your allocated seat. However, to reduce movement in the venue as well as minimise disruption to the performance and other patrons, ticketholders may be seated in an allocated latecomer’s seat. Please be aware that some events have lock-out periods. In these cases, latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance. On occasions, this may not be until the interval, or at all where there is no interval.
Details of our right to refuse admission can be found in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Events.
In accordance with our venue security procedures, Opera House security will be scanning and checking bags under the Monumental Stairs, prior to entering the building. Bags will be scanned by an x-ray machine, and staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling your belongings, such as gloves. Cloaking facilities will be open 60 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 60 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. However it is strongly encouraged that you travel lightly to minimise contact and queuing. Any bags larger than an A4 piece of paper will need to be checked into the Cloak Room.
The authorised agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House.
Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or any other unauthorised seller, you risk that these tickets are fake, void or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies. For more details, please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events.
Please contact Box Office on +61 2 9250 7777 as soon as possible to advise if you can no longer attend.
Foyers will be open 90 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and two hours pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances. Refreshments will be available for purchase from our theatre bars.
The venue doors will be open 45 minutes pre-show for Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre performances, and 30 minutes pre-show for Western Foyer venue performances.
Please bring a credit or debit card for any on site purchases to enable contactless payment. You’re welcome to bring your own water bottle but no other food and drinks are permitted inside our venues.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Sydney Opera House is our top priority. In line with this commitment, the Opera House became a smoke-free site in January 2022. Read our Smoke-free Environment Policy.
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