Stories, Struggles, and Joys of Island Life Across the Vast Pacific Ocean
This is a co-presentation with the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life, and the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.
This show is a PAY WHAT YOU WILL event.
Please join us for a 30-minute Q&A with the artists after the show, moderated by Dr. Joseph Wiebe, Director of the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life.
Be immersed in the heart of the Pacific Ocean with UPU, an award-winning, dynamic and electrifying theatre experience. With powerful poetry, compelling storytelling and unforgettable performances, it brings the ocean’s rich voices to life – exploring cultural struggle, joy, and identity across the islands. Following its sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House, UPU continues to captivate audiences around the world.
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, the Pacific Ocean.
Through the words of 23 poets, ranging from emerging voices to acclaimed literary figures, UPU weaves 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, to the joys of SPAM in Guam and other Americanised islands, to the Marshall Islands’ struggle against rising seas.
Poetry is powerful on the page – but on stage, it’s pure magic. The show’s energy comes alive through a cast of extraordinary Pacific performers, each with a rich background in theatre, film and television, whose passionate delivery of these words will transport you across the ocean.
Enhanced by evocative lighting, projections, and a multi-layered soundscape, UPU is an intimate and unforgettable experience – a celebration of the Pacific, its people, and their stories.
All poems are performed in English.
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Run time
The duration of this event is 60 minutes. There will be a brief pause before the 30-minute Q&A.
Please stay and join us to learn more about the show and the artists!
Age
Recommended for ages 15+
Performances will contain strobe lighting, strong language and adult themes.
Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
UPU features published works 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.
CREATIVES UPU COLLECTIVE
Artistic Director & Co-Creator: Fasitua Amosa
Curator & Co-Creator: Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Producer: Ana CorbettProduction Manager & Sound Engineer: Emily Hakaraia
Lighting & Projection Design: Rowan Pierce
With the support of Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa & Canada Council for the Arts.
This is a co-presentation with the Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion and Public Life, and the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre.
This show is a PAY WHAT YOU WILL event.
PAY WHAT YOU WILL – UPU
We’re always looking for new ways to make the performing arts more accessible and to encourage our community to take a chance on new and exciting work. This season, we have one show offering Pay What You Will tickets. Read on for more information!
What is Pay What You Will?
Reserve Your Ticket Now, Sit Back & Enjoy, Pay What You Will After!
How It Works
Step 1: Reserve Your Ticket
Just like attending any other show, you need to reserve a ticket. You can reserve them online HERE, in person or over the phone. If you’re unable to attend the show (life happens!), please let our Box Office know as soon as possible so that we can provide this opportunity to other members of the community.
Step 2: Sit Back and Enjoy
When you get to the theatre on show day (don’t forget your tickets!), our ushers will provide you with an empty envelope. Sit back and enjoy the performance.
Step 3: Pay What You Will
Once the show is over, you decide your price of admission based on your experience. You can pay using your envelope with cash, QR Code (provided in your envelope), or by TipTap payment stand in the lobby (tap available with Debit/Credit).
