UPU (2025)
Following an acclaimed New Zealand tour with PANNZ in 2023 the award-winning UPU is coming to Nelson, Dunedin and Wānaka before a season at the Sydney Opera House.
“In short, UPU shows Oceanic storytelling is truly amazing” - NZ Herald
The power of Māori & Pasifika literature roaring to theatrical life.
The world of Oceania is not small. From the energetic volcanoes of O’ahu to the southern reaches of Aotearoa, she is borderless and vast – and growing bigger by the day. After decades of dismissal and disconnection, her children are closer than ever. It’s time for a reunion.
In Samoan “upu” means “word”.
Curated by award-winning poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa, UPU gives the stage to Oceania’s most electrifying poetry. Ben Brown, Karlo Mila, Albert Wendt and more: UPU is for the trailblazers, the icons and the new writers transforming Aotearoa today.
In UPU, borders disappear and for just over an hour, the theatre becomes a sea of Islands. Be transported across an ocean to hear the voices dealing with colonisation, family, climate change, love, sex, religion, power and tourists.
Performed by a stellar cast of some of the best Tagata Moana actors in Aotearoa NZ -Maiava Nathaniel Lees, Mia Blake, Fasitua Amosa, Ana Corbett, Shadon Meredith and Nicola Kāwana.
“This show is pure oratory and storytelling at its finest.” - Theatrescenes (NZ)
Curator / Co-Creator - Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Director / Co-Creator - Fasitua Amosa
Producer - Ana Corbett / UPU COLLECTIVE
Assistant producer - Andrew Malmo
PANNZ Producer - Jo Bond
Production Manager/Sound Engineer - Emily Hakaraia
Stage Manager - Edward Peni
Set Design - Michael McCabe
Light and Projection Design, AV Technician and Operator - Rowan Pierce
Technical Operator - Elekis Poblete Teirney
Soundscape Design / Original Composition - 'Anonymouz', aka Faiumu Matthew Salapu
Costume Design - Kristin Seth
Artist / Projection Mamanu Design - Tyla Vaeau
Movement / Choreographer - Joash Fahitua
SHOW AWARDS: Best Director & Best Sound Design, Wellington Theatre awards, 2021
Supported by Creative New Zealand, produced by UPU Collective and presented with support from PANNZ (Performing Arts Network New Zealand).
Recommended for ages 15+. Contains strong language and adult themes.