Siva Afi Festival – Programme, Auckland Arts Festival 2021

Siva Afi Festival 2021 PROGRAMME

MĀNGERE ARTS CENTRE | NGĀ TOHU O UENUKU

12–13 March

Featuring a special performance by a three-times Teuila Festival (Samoa) Champion Popea Lautala

WELCOME

Auckland Arts Festival / Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki 2021 (AAF) is delighted to partner with Polynesian Entertainers Ltd in support of Siva Afi Festival. In tumultuous times, it is the way that we interact with people that will make a lasting impression.

Siva Afi Festival is a pioneering event that brings the talents and skills of wāhine and rangatahi to the fore, through a centuries-old traditional artform from Samoa.

The theme of AAF 2021 is Aroha and all that the word encompasses. Siva Afi Festival falls within our programming strand of Aroha ki te tangata – show kindness, compassion, goodwill towards people.

Siva Afi fulfils this kaupapa by cultivating the next generation of fire knife dancers, as well as supporting all wāhine to participate in what has been a traditionally male pursuit and ignite audiences with a different kind of power.

Kia ora and fa’afetai to Amo and the crew for their tireless efforts in bringing this event to life.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Arts is an initiative from the Māngere Ōtāhuhu Local Board to support and enable community-led arts activities throughout the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu area. It involves having an art broker, whose role is to identify, curate, programme and enable community arts activities. The art broker works with local artists and creative organisations to offer support in the development and delivery of their creative ideas and projects, whether this be assisting with funding, marketing, or finding the right location or people to work with.

Siva Afi Festival began as a conversation with arts broker Renee Tanner and eventuated to the very first New Zealand Schools Siva Afi competition as a standalone mini festival.

Now in its second year, it has quickly grown into a two-day festival as well as in conjunction with the Auckland Arts Festival 2021 programme.

The art broker is interested in hearing from you and learning about your creative projects, even if they are just an ‘idea’.

It could be dance, film, craft, visual arts, music, kapa haka, spoken word, digital arts, a publication, a performance or exhibition.

He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT mangereotahuhuarts.org.nz

If you sow love, compassion and kindness, you will reap the same.

OR CONTACT Renee Tanner – Art Broker +64 21 1496707 renee@mangereotahuhuarts.org.nz

POLYNESIAN ENTERTAINERS LTD

THE NEW NORMAL One week out from launching Siva Afi Festival 2021 as part of Auckland Arts Festival, Tāmaki Makaurau faced a new series of COVID-19 community cases and an inevitable lockdown ensued. Due to Level 3 restrictions, the much anticipated Wāhine Toa Afi Showcase on International Women’s Day was cancelled along with all other performances scheduled for at least the first week of the Festival.

One could rightfully say, it has been another case of deja vu for festivals and event organisers in March, in Auckland.

However, resilience in challenging times and ability to adapt is what makes living under the cloud of COVID-19 that much more important. I am pleased to announce that the Wāhine Toa Afi Showcase is now the opening act for the Wāhine Toa Afi Festival competition.

SIVA AFI FESTIVAL FUNDERS

Aroha – how fitting is the theme for AAF 2021, reflecting the need in our community to support and take care of each other, and to be selfless in times when we can easily just think of ourselves.

The Siva Afi Festival is the culmination of collective, collaborative and intergenerational projects over a period of 12 months, promoting connectivity and community engagement by reactivating our whānau and utilising our shared spaces.

Numerous Siva Afi workshops were held in South, Central and West Auckland, all free and accessible, which was made possible

by Local Board support. At times when gatherings in public were restricted we adapted and managed our programme so as to still be able to run regardless of the Alert Level situation. Opening our workshops to families to participate together was a bonus during this COVID environment, as it gave whānau another activity to do together while at home as well as when gathering under Alert Level 2.

COMMUNITY HELPING HAND

A NEW DAWN

Thank you to “I Love Avondale” and PolyX Night Markets, two amazing platforms for our up and coming showcase, providing opportunity and exposure, which resulted in new interest in Siva Afi.

Within a year Siva Afi activities have grown beyond our expectations, with Māngere Town Centre as the hub. We have two new Siva Afi clubs formed – the Siva Afi Mangere club and the all-female Siva Afi troupe Wāhine Toa Siva Afi under the management of Beka Sumeo Maiava-Tafiti together with its all-female drumming team. We are also into the second round of workshops in Avondale with Siva Afi Whau and further West with Valentino Luafaleolo and his Siva Afi West club. This has all been made possible with the support from Henderson-Massey Local Board, Whau Local Board and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board.

Not forgetting Dave, Mia and Māngere Town Centre, for always being adaptable and accommodating to our needs.

I would like to acknowledge all parents, grandparents, whānau and friends of all our competitors, who are the foundation for which the Siva Afi community in Aotearoa is built upon. Your sacrifices, investment and support of their dreams is testament to the success of the Siva Afi Festival in only its second year.

Thank you all for coming to support the Siva Afi Festival. Stay safe and well.

Ia manuia ma soifua, i le alofa ma le agalelei o le Atua.

Tauanuu Amo Ieriko Siva Afi Festival Producer

SIVA AFI FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS

WĀHINE TOA AFI SHOWCASE This dance showcase celebrates FIRE – the element of destruction, transformation and creation. Seeking to reignite the flame of some of our most primal sensations. Deliberately created to coincide with International Women’s day, this epic cast of Wāhine Toa is here to inspire women with narratives around love, God and ancestry with a powerful aesthetic that screams empowerment!

Bringing together both seasoned performers within the Aotearoa Pacific dance scene alongside fresh and emerging performers, this showcase includes an exciting appearance

by New Zealand’s very first all-female Siva Afi troupe, who are backed by an all-female drumline. A direct response of mothers wanting to support their daughters in the Siva Afi troupe, the connections within this cast of performers are well established, with loyalty and deep respect for each other apparent.

Curated by Charlene Tedrow

The Siva Afi art form has its origins in ancient Samoa.

Stemming from warriors’ (both men and women) exhibition of the ailao – throwing, spinning and catching a very dangerous war club – the evolution of the Siva Afi over the years has seen a strong return of our women reclaiming their presence within this fiery arena.

The performers dance and ignite the flame, literally and metaphorically, for one another as a symbol of femininity entering into a new era of women empowerment, reminding each other that the flame of wisdom and courage has been burning throughout the years by matriarchs of the past. The Wāhine Toa Showcase celebrates the allyship between women and signifies the primal connection we have to FIRE that reminds us of who we are and what we are truly capable of.

— Charlene Tedrow

TIARE NUI DANCE COLLECTIVE Maile Giffin & Tepaeru-Ariki French Creatives Tiare Nui Dance Collective is an all-female performing arts group who share a desire to learn and explore links between the various Pacific Islands. By embracing diversity, members collaborate on choreography by drawing on their own background and understanding of pacific culture and dance.

Dancing to an old Tahitian love song, Mohi Mohi Te Mori, the lamp referenced in the song is lit while the woman dreams and waits for her love who will return to her.

WĀHINE TOA SIVA AFI Beka Sumeo Maiava-Tafiti & Mani Sumeo Creatives Wāhine Toa Siva Afi was established in July 2020, under the Siva Afi Māngere workshop programmes.

During the last seven months, even throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, the students have been learning this form of art from the basics to being able to dance a solo piece and perform team routines at community events.

As New Zealand’s first all-women Siva Afi troupe, together with an all-wāhine drumline to accompany the fierce flames of Siva Afi, this is our beginning.

With an opportunity to perform alongside other prestigious Wāhine Toa Afi troupes, we are honoured to be part of Auckland Art Festival.

VĀHINE AHI Ahuuranui Tarati Choreographer Ta’u ahi! Ta’u ora!

Vāhine Ahi is an all female dance group portraying the art of the Ori Tahiti incorporating with the art of ‘Ahi’ – Fire. Frequently the symbol of God’s presence, fire is revealed either in mercy or in judgment of His glory.

In this ‘Ōte’a, our vāhine will demonstrate how lost, dark and cold life can be without ‘ahi’. As they cheer for joy, our vāhine will also demonstrate how ‘ahi’ is of great significance and value in our lives.

URA TABU PACIFIC DANCE Charlene Tedrow Creative Director Aue Te fefe! Le afi la ua mu!

Aue the fire is burning!

Ura Tabu brings forth an activation of ancient Samoa, beckoning a reconnection to ‘Fire’ that shines light on our gafa, our whakapapa, our genealogy. Bringing the past into the present with confidence, purpose and a conscious connection for those yet to come.

This special performance is dedicated to all our Tinā who continue to guide us through life, with fire.

WĀHINE TOA SIVA AFI DRUMLINE Helen Salu Pritchard Lead Our wāhine drumline was established in October 2020, under the Siva Afi Māngere programme. It started off with two Pasifika mothers who continuously supported their daughters attending Siva Afi workshops.

Our journey since the beginning of 2021 has been challenging, but no doubt a new sense of patience has been defined with new beats and instruments to the mix: the sound of the cabin bread tin, now synonymous with Siva Afi, together with the inclusion of the traditional wooden log the pātē.

This new experience and opportunity have been a breath of fresh air and since October 2020, it has been a journey of a lifetime. “I never saw it coming, but as a Pasifika Woman, a Daughter and a Mother on a journey as such. I can only dream one day my daughter will be able to perform on a honorary platform as this to be able to celebrate International Women’s Day as a Pasifika woman.”

JUDGES

Lino Kaianuanu Fuliva Tupou Sanft Lead Judge, Fri 12 & Sat 13 March

Tepaeru-Ariki (Lulu) French Fri 12 March

Lino Kaianuanu Fuliva Tupou Sanft was born in San Diego, California and into a family of Polynesian entertainers. His mother Matilda Asiata Edmonds was a singer and father Dick Kaianuanu Fulivai was a renowned musician and fire knife dancer who trained under the infamous Freddie Letuli in Hollywood during the early 1960s.

Tepaeru-Ariki French was born and raised on the island of Aitutaki, Cook Islands and has Cook Islands Māori, Tahitian Māori, Spanish and English ancestry.

Lino had the privilege of working at many well-known venues around the world. As a teen, he performed at Sea World, Orlando and as part of Malala McMoore’s Polynesian Spectacular. He later moving to Hawaii to attend university and performing fire knife and polynesian cultural dances.

She has been a ‘tamure’ dancer from a very young age and continued to dance after moving to Aotearoa. Tepaeru-Ariki has choreographed national and international touring groups and is a long standing member of the infamous Auckland based Cook Islands dance group, Anuanua Dance Troupe.

Currently Tepaeru-Ariki is Co-Creative of Tiare Nui Dance Collective, an all-female performing arts troupe specialising in dance forms from Samoa, Hawaii, Cook Islands and Tahiti.

Lino toured Asia and the mainland USA, entertaining for the Hawaiian Tourism Board before returning to California as a fire dancer at Disneyland and at Orlando Walt Disney World.

Retiring from Siva Afi at a young age of 25, Lino these days works as an engineer with Whenua Consulting Ltd based in Auckland. He continues to keep his hands on the knives as a hobby while volunteering to perform on special occasions and with training others to help keep the art and culture alive today.

Tauga Lilomaiava Fri 12 March The art of Aiva Afi fire knife dancing has always fascinated Tauga Lilomaiava since a young boy growing up in Vaimoso, Apia.

“I watched Sielu Avea in the 1990s with awe at the way he draws in the audience and the speed of his knife. As a fire knife dancer, I enjoyed the showmanship and technical aspects of the dance, controlling and spinning the nefi oki with precision and skill. I have been fortunate to travel the world and work with other artists to share my passion for my culture and Siva Afi.”

Mani Jr Sumeo Sat 13 March

Charlene Tedrow Sat 13 March

Mani Jr Sumeo’s background with Siva Afi started years ago with his father and uncles dancing in Samoa when they were young.

Charlene Tedrow, Director of Ura Tabu Pacific Dance, is an exceptionally gifted weaver of Pacific Indigenous dance forms, specialising in her heritage art form, Siva Samoa.

“They were some of the very first Fire Dancers for Aggie Greg’s Hotel in Apia, My father and uncles were and still are very passionate and wanted to pass this to their own children to carry on the beautiful Siva aka Ailau Afi. My cousins and I were taught over the years here in New Zealand and also in Denver, Colorado.

I started my journey with Siva Afi in 1995 in the USA alongside my cousins before returning to New Zealand in 1997. I joined a Polynesian dance troupe heading to Spain in 1998 as the lead fire dancer for Moanahula and Ei Polinesia Dance Groups.

From 1998 through to 2000 we held the dance contract in what is now Universal Studios Porta Ventura. Upon the dance group returning to New Zealand, I remained in Spain for 11 years dancing in some of the Best Hotels the Costa Dorada had to offer, travelling to the North of Spain to Pamplona and also spent a couple of months in Mexico City.

I have been able to travel the world sharing the art of Siva Afi. Now I want to pass this knowledge and experience over to others and I feel grateful to be able to do this.”

There is not one fire dancer in this world who has not been burned by the fire, never be afraid of the fire for you are the one that controls the knife. — Mani’s Late Uncle Time

She has a passion for working with women and children and promotes dance as a platform for empowerment, creativity, self-expression, self-awareness and community transformation.

In 2008, Charlene co-founded Ura Tabu Pacific Dance, a collective of equally passionate Pacific women who have selflessly served their Pacific communities for over 11 years.

She has wealth of experience when it comes to Samoan performing arts, having choreographed numerous performances for the Teuila Festival in Samoa and the Pasifika Festival here in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Charlene was also the Head of Pacific Studies and Pacific Performance for PIPA (Pacific Institute of Performing Arts) and is a graduate of the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Performing Arts, majoring in Dance.

SIVA AFI FESTIVAL 2021 – DAY ONE

Wāhine Toa Afi Competition, Fri 12 March Māngere Arts Centre Cnr Bader Drive & Orly Ave. Māngere Ph: 09 262 5789 GOLD COIN ENTRANCE

6.00pm

Doors Open Food & Craft Stalls Open

7.00pm

MC – Welcome & Karakia Wāhine Toa Afi Showcase

7.20pm

Guest Speakers Judges – Introductions Siva Afi Māngere – Demonstration Siva Afi Whau – Demonstrations Popea Lautala – three-times Teuila Festival Champion

7.40pm

Wāhine Toa Afi Competitors – Introductions Gisborn Boys High School – Fire Performance

8.00pm

Competition Starts

8.30pm

Tahiti Ia Ora – Tahitian Dance Performance

8.50pm

Competition Ceremony

9.00pm

Farewell / Photos

Valerie Teraitua MC, Fri 12 March As manager at Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae, Valerie Teraitua is a dedicated and passionate servant for community development. Born and raised in 275 Mangere, and hailing from Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāpuhi and Rarotonga, as an emcee she aims to uplift all performers and create engaging audience participation.

SIVA AFI FESTIVAL 2021 – DAY TWO

NZ Schools Siva Afi Competition, Sat 13 March Māngere Arts Centre Cnr Bader Drive & Orly Ave. Māngere Ph: 09 262 5789 GOLD COIN ENTRANCE

6.00pm

Competitor Draw Doors Open Food & Craft Stalls Open

7.00pm

MC – Welcome & Karakia Judges Instruction Le Taupou Manaia Auckland – Performance

7.20pm

Guest Speakers TahiMana – Fire Performance

7.35pm

Intro Juniors Competitors TahiMana – Fire Performance

8.10pm

Intro – Senior Competitors Guest Performance

9.30pm

Tiare Nui Dance Collective – Hawaii

9.40pm

Ceremony (Juniors & Seniors)

10.00pm

Farewell / Photos

Tom Natoealofa MC, Sat 13 March A familiar face on our TV screens and in the Pacific community, Tom Natoealofa has maintained his passion for the arts with appearances in numerous theatre plays and on screen with his latest role as “Magele” on Brown Boys (2019). As an accomplished musician and musical director Tom has also graced the Pacific stage as a dancer with the infamous 685 dance crew, Halau O Moana Nui A Kiwa and many more. He returns to the stage for the second year as our NZ Schools Siva AFI Competition MC.

WĀHINE TOA AFI COMPETITORS Mereani Kaue 22 years old, learning Siva Afi since July 2020. Pukapuka, Manihiki, Rakahanga & Rarotonga.

Cook Islands. Siva Afi Māngere (Māngere-Otahūhū Local Board community programme).

“I have always loved the art itself. Siva Afi is something that has always fascinated me. Our group has spent a lot of time practicing and performing for shows. Taking time out of our busy schedules was a challenge, but with the passion everyone has for Wāhine Toa has been incredible. Not only that but our self-esteem and mental state has been a major challenging factor. The journey has been incredible, especially getting to work and perform along amazing girls and tutors.”

Noelani Ah Chong 18 years old, learning Siva Afi since July 2020. Villages: Salelologa, Alamagoto, Safotu, Samoa.

Siva Afi Māngere (Māngere-Otahūhū Local Board community programme).

“Knowing that Siva Afi is predominantly a male-dominated art form that hardly has women participate and compete in has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, as well as representing my homeland, Samoa. As a young Pasifika woman, learning this art form with the guidance of God, my family and the amazing tutors throughout my Siva Afi journey has really helped to build my individuality, self-confidence, learn more in depth about my own culture, and has made me appreciative and grateful for this opportunity. To be able to represent and showcase this amazing art form that is symbolic of fearlessness, bravery and a history of bold warriors in Samoa, is a dream come true and I am forever truly grateful.”

Hadassah Tagoai 26 years old, learning Siva Afi since July 2020. Aufaga (Dad), Salelologa & Fagalii (Mum), Samoa.

Siva Afi Māngere (Māngere-Otahūhū Local Board community programme).

“My journey has been fun and challenging. It has taught me so much about perseverance and the beauty of the art. I felt awkward at first because the warrior-like stance made me feel like a man, but I quickly came to learn that a stance like that executes strength, and so it is not just men who hold that – so do women. The warrior-like movement isn’t easy to execute and made me in awe of how our ancestors, let alone Nafanua herself, managed to battle with so much strength and agility.”

Grace Senio 18 years old, learning Siva Afi since July 2020. Falelatai, Iva, Lepa & Safune. Samoa.

Siva Afi Whau (Whau Local Board community programme).

“I was inspired to start learning the Siva Afi dance form watching my family members perform. I think the art of Siva Afi was really appealed to me because it gave me a pathway where I had the chance to connect and learn about a different aspect of my culture. A positive from learning the Siva Afi is that I’ve grown more confident in my own abilities. Plus, if you can learn to spin fire then you can pretty much do anything.”

Fa’aolo Suataga 24 years old, learning Siva Afi since July 2020. Niusuatia Safata & Safune Savaii, Samoa.

Siva Afi Māngere (Māngere-Otahūhū Local Board community programme).

“I have learnt so many things of my culture like Siva Samoa, traditional choir, etc. But I just wanted to learn something different. Learning this form of art, it’s a pleasure to me. I’m so proud to be one of the young Pasifika women who represent the Siva Afi nowadays. Women are strong. Women can lead! E āu Le ina’ilau a tamaita’i, a Samoan proverb which basically means that women can achieve anything and get things done wholeheartedly!”

NZ SCHOOLS SIVA AFI JUNIORS COMPETITION

SENIORS COMPETITION

DJ Papali’I

Stanley Blakely

11 years old. Tonga/Samoa.

Glen Eden Intermediate Club: TahiMana. Experience: two years.

14 years old. Ngāti Kahungunu/Samoa.

St Paul’s College Club: TahiMana. Experience: three years.

Emilie Pritchard Lovett

Amorangi Standish

9 years old. Samoa.

Finlayson Park School Club: Siva Afi Māngere. Experience: one year.

15 years old. Ngāti Porou.

Gisborne Boys High School Club: Toa Tairawhiti. Experience: two year.

Arden Meredith-Numia

Italyana (Lena) Vaaimamao

9 years old. Samoa.

Home School Club: Siva Afi West. Experience: one year.

13 years old. Samoa.

Avondale College Club: Siva Afi Whau. Experience: nine months.

Ezra Falani

CJ Moa

6 years old. New Zealand/Samoa.

Freyberg Community School Club: Siva Afi Whau. Experience: seven months.

15 years old. Māori.

Gisborne Boys High School Club: Toa Tairawhiti. Experience: one year.

Simone Tino

TK Nikora-Peri

11 years old. Samoa.

Randwick Park Primary School Club: Siva Afi Māngere. Experience: ten months.

14 years old. Māori/Samoa.

Gisborne Boys High School Club: Siva Afi Māngere. Experience: one year.

Tino Leaoa

Suni Aunese-White

8 years old. Māori/Samoa/Tongan/European.

Flanshaw Road School Club: Siva Afi West. Experience: one year.

12 years old. New Zealand/Samoa.

St Paul’s College Club: TahiMana. Experience: three years.

Spetimus Leaoa

Marcelo Reyes-Tokuma

10 years old. Māori/Samoa/Tongan/European.

Flanshaw Road School Club: Siva Afi West. Experience: one year.

13 years old. Peru/Samoa.

Mt Albert Grammar School Club: TahiMana. Experience: three years.

Lennon Meredith-Numia

Portia Meredith-Numia

9 years old. Samoa.

Flanshaw Road School Club: Siva Afi West. Experience: one year.

14 years old. Samoa.

Massey High School Club: Siva Afi West. Experience: nine months.

Mario Matele 15 years old. Māori.

Gisborne Boys High School Club: Toa Tairawhiti. Experience: one year.

Siva Afi Festival AAF.CO.NZ #AAF2021 #AKLFEST

VĀHINE AHI Anne ULAULA Esa-Jayne PEIKA Estelle MAREANGAREU-AHSEI Melba CAMPINOTI Paia PHILLIPA Pele TOLI Ranitea PETARD Wendy CHUNG SAO Ariitea TIMIONA (Helper/Team Member) URA TABU PACIFIC DANCE Amalia REWETI Atina Lipa PATAU Christina LILOMAIAVA Ina TULAFASA India TABERNER Lahain TOLEAFOA Leitulagi Maulolo TOEVAI Maeva BASCOU Nikki UPOKO TIARE NUI DANCE COLLECTIVE Maile GIFFIN Naomi DASHWOOD Tepaeru-Ariki FRENCH WĀHINE TOA SIVA AFI Fa’aolo (Olo) SUATAGA Hadassah TAGOAI Mereani (Ani) KAUE Noelani AH CHONG WĀHINE TOA SIVA AFI DRUMLINE Beka SUMEO MAIAVA-TAFITI Helen Salu PRITCHARD (Lead Drummer) Paula TUIFELASAI-TINO Sarah-Luisa PULA-OLO

SIVA AFI FESTIVAL Crew Alesana IERIKO – SAF Crew Azaria IERIKO – Media & Promotions Beka SUMEO MAIAVA-TAFITI – Courtyard Coordinator Choccajoe Media – Videographer Jessie ATUTOLU TULISI - Drop Count Maile GIFFIN – Stage Manager Mandy SIITIA – PolyX Night Market Māngere Arts Centre – FOH Mani LAVATAI – Competitor Prep Mani SUMEO – Wāhine Tao Siva Afi Coach Micah PAPALII – Competitor Prep Michael IERIKO – SAF Crew Paulina BENTLEY – Stage Manager Assistant Popea LAUTALA – Lead Drummer Rex TIUMALU – ZOOM workshops (Orlando, USA) Suni WHITE – Drummer The Rock Factory – Sound/ Stage/ Lighting Tim NOYCE – Fire Safety Valentino LUAFALEOLO – Siva Afi West Wāhine Toa Siva Afi Drumline – Festival Drummers SIVA AFI FESTIVAL Performers Gisborne Boys High School Le Taupou Manaia Auckland Popea LAUTALA Siva Afi Māngere Siva Afi Whau Tahiti Ia Ora – Aotearoa TahiMana Tiare Nui Dance Collective Ura Tabu Pacific Dance Wāhine Toa Siva Afi

+64 21 02300599 polynesianentertainers.com