13 May 2025
Last Thursday, eight Year 11 students were lucky enough to embark on an unforgettable journey to Sydney to see UPU performed at the Sydney Opera House.
UPU, meaning "word" in many Pacific languages, showcases stories connected by Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. Created by the UPU Collective from Aotearoa, New Zealand, this award-winning production fosters opportunities for Pasifika artists and is the first Pasifika production to be featured at the Sydney Opera House.
Curated by poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and directed by Fasitua Amosa, UPU brings Pacific literature to life through the words of 23 poets. The production delves into themes of cultural identity, history, and challenges faced by Pacific communities, exploring topics such as Captain Cook's legacy and the impact of rising seas in the Marshall Islands.
During this special outing, the cast met our students, expressing their honour at their long journey to see the show. They encouraged the students to stay connected to their culture and gifted each one a copy of the UPU book.
The students were thrilled to meet Kiwi cast member Nathaniel Lees, known for his roles in The Matrix and Lord of the Rings. For most, it was their first live stage production and visit to the Sydney Opera House.
Val Peniata shared her feelings about a segment of the performance: “I felt uncomfortable when the topic of religion came up. We’ve been brought up in Christianity, so it hits hard and I had mixed emotions when I see that we, as Pasifika, had our legends and myths wiped out.” Meanwhile, Mahalia Teaupa expressed her joy, saying, “What made it even more special was that it was people on stage who looked like me, who spoke like me. I immediately felt a connection to the actors.”
Overall, this trip was a unique experience that connected our students to their culture and the broader Pasifika community through storytelling.
Article by Nau Mahe
