Floating Islanders

Dive into the vibrant world of Pasifika theatre with our captivating exploration that spans 30 years of artistry in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This riveting book, penned by acclaimed authors Lisa Warrington and David O'Donnell, brings together insightful interviews with over 30 talented theatre practitioners, from playwrights to performers, who have made significant contributions to this unique cultural landscape. Discover the rich tapestry of Pasifika theatre, where influences from Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tokelau, Niue, and the Cook Islands blend harmoniously to create a distinctive and subversive performance phenomenon. Each page narrates the stories behind celebrated productions like Pacific Underground and The Laughing Samoans, highlighting the lively themes and innovative styles that have emerged since 1984. The authors illuminate how the immigrant experience inspires creativity, turning potential challenges into artistic triumphs. Enjoy extracts from engaging interviews that provide entertaining insights into the history and creative practices that define Pasifika theatre. This book is essential for anyone looking to understand the profound impact of Pasifika artists on New Zealand's performing arts scene, and it's a must-read for theatre enthusiasts and cultural scholars alike. Celebrate the legacy of Pasifika theatre and immerse yourself in a journey of creativity and resilience.

Author: Lisa Warrington Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 155 x 235 mm
Pages: 284
Publication Date: 01-11-2017

'We float - we’re not based in one place - we’re floating Islanders. I always come back to theatre, theatre is my first home.’ - Makerita Urale This book celebrates 30 years of Pasifika theatre in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Pacific Underground, Pacific Theatre, The Laughing Samoans, The Conch, The Naked Samoans, Kila Kokonut Krew - the distinctive style and themes of Pasifika theatre have been developed by many individuals and theatre companies in New Zealand. Authors Lisa Warrington and David O’Donnell have interviewed over 30 theatre practitioners to tell the story of Pasifika theatre in Aotearoa from 1984 to 2015. This lively book showcases playwrights, directors and performers whose heritage lies in Samoa, Niue, Fiji, Tonga, Tokelau and the Cook Islands. Extracts from the interviews are threaded throughout the book, providing often entertaining insights into their history and creative practice. While the immigrant experience of living in two worlds is often seen as troubled, the authors suggest that this ‘in-between-ness’ has been turned to advantage in Pasifika theatre to create a unique and often subversive performance phenomenon. Not only is Pasifika theatre a success story within the performing arts in New Zealand, it is also an intriguing case study of migrant theatre that has international resonance.