‘TOLU’
TOLU
A collaboration between NZTrio and Pacific Dance NZ
TOLU (meaning three) is a work that weaves western music with the songs and dances of the Pacific. In the past century, the Pacific diaspora have settled throughout the globe and many now call Aotearoa home. As with many immigrants, the Pacific people have brought their traditions, culture and arts to their new home and through the maintenance of these practices, have retained their cultural uniqueness while contributing to the shifting arts landscape of Aotearoa.
TOLU is directed by Iosefa Enari MNZM. Enari has worked closely with NZTrio and and Pacific music director Aiono Manu Faaea-Semeatu to compile a soundscape that represents various Pacific cultures in Aotearoa. Drawn from music of Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Hawaii and Aotearoa, this will be performed by NZTrio (violin, cello & piano). The work includes vibrant, visual scenography by NZ Arts Laureate FAFSWAG and award winning production designers Filament Eleven11. It will also feature works from renowned composer, NZ Arts Laureate John Psathas. Arrangements of the Pacific music have been provided by Poulima Salima, Ryan Youens and John-Paul Muir.
There are dual themes that encompass the work. The first is that of navigation. Through the music, we take the audience on a journey across the ocean where music is the metaphor of the interconnectedness of our Pacific islands cultures. The vast Moana Nui A Kiwa is a highway that the Pacific people traverse through time and space with its ultimate destination being Aotearoa. The music reflects the energy, rhythms and evolving culture of Pacific people. It is layered with traditional Pacific songs, popular music, jazz, contemporary rhythms and chants that are familiar to many of our Pacific audiences.
The secondary theme that is directly connected to navigation is the ways in which modern issues like climate change have begun to affect our oceans, our islands and our cultures. Through movement, scenography and inclusion of western music, the play between these elements enables the audience to contemplate the current effects of these changing environments. TOLU becomes a reflection on the rising sea levels, environmental impacts, modern influences on Pacific cultures and how we adapt to meet these modern provocations.
The work is performed by Pacific Dance NZ in collaboration with NZTrio He Taonga Wairere, a ‘national treasure’ of New Zealand, featuring acclaimed musicians Ashley Brown, Amalia Hall and guest pianist Liam Wooding. Joining them in this work are Pacific guest musicians Niulala Helu, Helen Pahulu and Alan Motufoua. The guest dancers are Tupe Lualua MNZM, Faivaeselopepe Anric Sitanilei and Josie Bonnington-Mailisi.
TOLU is full length work and will premiere at the Pacific Dance Festival, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre at 7.30pm, 27 June 2024, following a special secondary schools’ matinee.
