Mangere community uses performance to expose effects of climate change

March 13, 2017

Mangere community uses performance to expose effects of climate change

Nerves and excitement kick in as performers of Fonua rehearse for opening night. Photo: Hele Ikimotu

A community play responding to the effects of climate change will be made up of mainly inexperienced performers.

The play, Fonua, is one of five projects part of the Auckland Arts Festival’s Whanui programme.

A first of its kind, the Whanui programme is a partnership between the festival and established artists to create local community projects.

One of the artistic directors of the show, Jase Manumu’a, said Fonua was a Polynesian response to climate change.

“It’s a lot of movement and physical theatre - there’s a little bit of dialogue, not much - most of it is driven by the movement, singing and spoken word,” he said.

“We’re just trying to raise awareness and what we can do to help reduce the impact on the environment.”

Mr Manumu’a said it was rewarding to see the performers engaging with the themes of the play.

“I’m proud because it’s community people who don’t have experience in performance but they’re passionate about being able to tell a story,” said Mr Manumu’a.

Mr Manumu’a said he enjoys seeing the inexperienced actors grow in confidence.

“In many ways the subject matter itself is important but at the same time the performers get to find their own strength in performance.”

One of them, 18-year-old Yvonne Sapatu, auditioned for the show even though she had no idea what it was about.

“I was really intrigued by the ideas and the videos they showed us of islands sinking and how the people there are trying really hard to make a change,” she said.

Miss Sapatu hopes people will be touched by the play.

“I’m really excited, I want heaps of people to come – a lot of work has gone into it. I’m just hoping at least one person walks away having learned something.”

For Lemauga Lydia Sosene, chairperson of the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board, having the local community coming together to raise awareness about an important issue is special.

“It’s really rewarding because all of our Pacific Islands are facing the threats of climate change,” she said.

Ms Sosene hopes the play will encourage further dialogue and discussions about the effects of climate change.

“It brings the issue to reality and it’s really important – it’ll be thought-provoking of how real climate change is.”

Fonua will be showing at the Mangere Arts Centre on Saturday March 11 and Sunday March 12.

Tickets can be reserved here. Entry is free.

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