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 itselfUPU-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. Receive 50% off ticket price with purchase of tickets to SKéN:NEN. Contact the Box Office for more information. Save on Series! – International: Save 15% when you buy tickets to all 3 of our International Series performances. Contact the Box Office for more information. 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 Corbett Production Manager & Sound Engineer: Emily Hakaraia Lighting & Projection Design: Rowan PierceSoundscape Design & Original Composition: Faiumu Matthew Salapu Set Design: Michael McCabe Costume Design: Kristin Seth Artist & Cultural Design Elements (Mamanu Design): Tyla Vaeau Movement & Choreography: Joash Fahitua Tech Operator: Elekis Poblete Stage Manager: Eliza Rutter CAST: Fasitua Amosa Ana Corbett Nicola Kāwana Miriama McDowell Shadon Meredith Jarod Rāwiri
UPU – A Journey Through the Heartbeat of Pacific Poetry
Minted Arstsdata ID for schema:Event on 2025-06-12T20:59:34.322Z using external URI http://kg.footlight.io/resource/sandersoncentre-ca_2026-03-03-1900-UPU-A-Journey-Through-the-Heartbeat-of-Pacific-Poe