In June 2017, PICAA presented a first for the Melbourne Pasefika community – the very first Australian Pacific Island musical production. In partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria, we formed a creative team and set about creating a show that would celebrate our lives as Pasefika peoples living in Australia. With a cast of 53 performers, including 23 young Pasefika children, we premiered REHAVAIKI to a sold-out audience at the South Melbourne Town Hall on June 2nd, this was followed by a sold-out event in July 14th at The Bowery Theatre, STACC.
REHAVAIKI blurb:
“In a world where we are forgetting our ancestors -forgetting where we have come from – we take a journey to reawaken the gifts from Havaiki that once saw us as fearless explorers, navigators of the seas, and discoverers of new worlds. ReHavaiki explores themes of identity, belonging and re-connecting with ancestral heritage. Set in present-day Australia, the audience gains insight into life as Pacific Islander youth born and bred outside of the homeland. The production showcases modern and traditional genres of music, dance and crafts. An inspiring and beautiful montage of the ups and downs of Pacific Island pride”
Directed by Award-winning theatre practitioner Asalemo Tofete, and music by APRA-nominated composer and ethnomusicologist Rita Seumanutafa-Palala, ReHavaiki promises an array of multi-talented creative arts (singers, dancers, actors, artists, craftsmen) highlighting Pacific Island talent in Australia.
Excerpt of ‘It’s a hamo life’ (R.Seumanutafa-Palala, 2017):
“Living a hamo life is like livin’ no other
Zero cares when people don’t understand us
But if you can survive it, you can do wonders
So just follow through, remember words of your mother
And if that doesn’t work then follow your father
If you can’t find your father, then follow Nana
If Nana’s gone to bingo sorry, it’s over
That’s the hamo life”
Cover Photo: A scene from “ReHavaiki” (June 2nd 2017, South Melbourne Town Hall, VIC). Cast members: (L-R) Back – Vineta Ioapo, Tumema Elise, Gloria Tafua, Tavai Faasavalu, Olive Asi, Tapu Elise. Front – Elandrah Feo, Polu Tuisuga, Alarece Mowat, and Julianna Lologa. (Photo: Copyright PICAA INC. 2017)
Pacific Island Creative Arts Australia Inc. 