Samoa 1918

1918 is the latest dance theatre work by Wellington based company Le Moana. The show premiered in Wellington in May 2015 during S?moan Language week, remounted for a follow up season in Auckland in July and Le Moana have since been invited to present a performance at the National University of S?moa in 2016.

[https://youtu.be/6nD-kAsV-rk]

"I was four years old when it came, my Father had to instruct the young men of the village who dug the mass graves; there was also a young woman in the village who died while breastfeeding her baby�although I was only little, it was a very hard time for us"

Inspired by the memories of her beloved Grandmother, Avea'i Fui, and the research of Dr. John McLane, Tupe Lualua's work is a response to the devastating Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918.

Presented through live performance, "1918" explores the effects of the disease which claimed the lives of almost a third of the total population of Samoa and became a catalyst for Samoa's resistance against the New Zealand colonial government.

This is our first international presentation as a company and we are honoured to have the opportunity to take this performance back to the place where the events actually happened.  

Our company dancers are a diverse group of performers experienced in Siva S?moa, Maori, Cook Islands and Contemporary dance. As well as performing 1918, we will be offering free dance workshops to the University students and local community groups.

This is one of the workshops that our 1918 cast delivered during our performance season in Auckland.

[https://youtu.be/Rh_ypw8FMzo]

The funds raised from your donations will contribute towards our overall tour costs. Other fundraising ventures include three public performances in Wellington on the 22nd and 23rd of January, before we depart on January 27th.  All of your contributions make a huge difference and we are extremely grateful for your support. 

Donations of: 

$60+ will receive two tickets to one of our live performances on the 22nd or 23rd January

$100+ will receive two tickets to one of our live performances on the 22nd or 23rd January and two places in a dance workshop with our cast.  

All donors may claim a 33% tax credit from Inland Revenue, e.g.Give $100, get $33 back.

If you would like to receive regular updates on our workshops and public performances, please subscribe to our events on our facebook page [www.facebook.com/LeMoanaProductions]

Thank you for being a part of our journey, we look forward to sharing this experience with you all.  Fa'afetai tele lava, Soifua ma ia manuia.  

"A HEADY, POIGNANT AND POLISHED WORK" -  Raewyn Whyte - Theatreview

"I took my family to watch the play "1918" at the Mangere Arts Centre last night. It was excellent....it stirred and moved me as the play unfolded, reflecting on a deeply emotional period in Samoa's history where thousands of Samoan died as a result of the flu epidemic that devastated Samoa in 1918..." - Su'a William Sio - Labour MP Mangere

"Not knowing what to expect at the premiere, and not being a frequent devotee of dance, I found myself experiencing the emotional and cultural aspects of the pandemic in a way that my years of research never allowed. This piece allows for a glimpse into the cultural underpinnings of a significant population in New Zealand, an unusual event in our increasingly splintered world. It offers a chance for the Samoan population to learn of their history and for non-Samoan audiences to build true empathy, a rare gift. "1918" is an opportunity for genuine, cross-cultural education" - Dr Ryan Mclane