AVE

AVE is a dance work about six Oceanic women who explore ideologies around colonisation, cultural belonging, and the challenges they face as New Zealand-born Oceanic women on their search for identity.

AVE has been performed at the Pacific Dance Festival, Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

>|<  is a dance work about three women who draw inspiration from three deity of Oceania. Through their journey, they discover the strength and power they hold from within.

We are fortunate to present these two works at 'The Performance Arcade' - an acclaimed live arts event that attracts 60-90,000 people every year to Wellington Waterfront since 2011.

Audiences come for an exciting and diverse program of art, live music, and performance, installed within a special architectural arrangement of shipping containers that are stacked and arranged together to create an innovative new space for performance and arts presentation. As well as at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, where we will be exhibiting alongside a fellow Samoan artist. 

As emerging artists who are currently studying and/or have graduated from The University of Auckland and Unitec Institute of Technology, we are so excited to have the opportunity to share our stories to a wider audience here in Aotearoa.

What we're asking for

As you know, the struggle is real! and with great opportunities come with great responsibilities. So we've created this campaign because we need YOUR help. The funds will go towards transport and pier diems for the team.

We are so grateful for you for taking the time out of your day to read this and support us. This creative work is for all our incredible and powerful wahine around the world! And for our friends and family who constantly support us.

Fa'afetai tele lava.

Ufitia Sagapolutele - Creative Director

Ufitia is passionate about the Oceanic arts community here in Aotearoa. Ufitia works solely with Oceanic women and has developed her works 'AVE' and > | < in collaboration with dancers. Ufitia has a Master of Dance from the University of Auckland and is currently the Auckland Project Coordinator for Dance Aotearoa New Zealand. As well as creating dance works, Ufitia is also passionate in producing projects for emerging artists in Aotearoa. 

Dancers:
Chas Samoa
Faith Schuster
Lyncia Muller
Natalia Ioane
Semira Mariner
Ufitia Sagapolutele

Drummers:
Ankaramy Fepuleai
Jireh Lalotoa-Peniata