READY TO STEP ON STAGE?
Give it a try, step outside your comfort zone, and join us this term as we create, learn and share stories together through Pasifika theatre.
To sign up, click on the link below.
Who can join?
Our programmes are open to Pasifika and Māori youth, with selected workshops also available to the wider community. No previous acting experience is required—just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.
Meet the artists who are sharing their knowledge, experience and passion with our next generation.
Jake Tupu (he/they/ia) is a NZ-born Sāmoan Theatre practitioner with over 10 years experience. Jake trained with Massive Company in Tāmaki-Makaurau and has been working full-time as an independent theatre actor, director, and tutor across Aotearoa. As a Sāmoan who is influenced by his culture that is rich in oral tradition, Jake believes in the power of storytelling and understands that it can change the world.
Jake recently directed Finding Nemo JR at The Court Theatre, and is currently starring in At the Wake by Victor Roger, also at The Court Theatre. Jake is a core member of Y|NOT Theatre Collective based here in Ōtautahi.
Talia-Rae "TR" Mavaega (she/they) is a Sāmoan theatre practitioner from East Ōtautahi and Central Tāmaki-Makaurau. A graduate from the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA), TR has been working professionally as an actor and director in theatre for over 10 years. Her two theatre loves are Pasifika Theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences. TR is currently a Board member of Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA) and is a core member of Y|NOT Theatre Collective.
Zandra Ah Jay - Maepu NZ-born Samoan. Villages: Fagali’i / Sale'aula.
Zandra's love for movies began as a child when she would spend time sitting on the floor, reading the back of VHS video tapes and DVDs at Video Ezy. Her love for movies soon turned into a passion for acting. Her desire to see Pasifika culture represented on screen and stage led her to enrol in the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA). The teachers at PIPA encouraged their students to create and share their own stories, which inspired Zandra to produce theatre performances under Polynesian Pages in 2017.
"There’s a saying in Samoan, “E le tu fa’amauga se tagata” – no one stands alone, no one succeeds alone – and, for me, no one suffers alone."
Quote from Efeso Collins' Maiden Speech, 2024
LEARN
Pasifika theatre
in Otautahi
