SHOW INFORMATION
DUNEDIN ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS:
UPU
Aotearoa NZ / PANNZ
The power of Māori and Pasifika literature roaring to theatrical life.
The world of Oceania is not small. From the energetic volcanoes of O’ahu to the southern reaches of Aotearoa, she is borderless and vast — and growing bigger by the day. After decades of dismissal and disconnection, her children are closer than ever. It’s time for a reunion. In Samoan, ‘upu’ means ‘word’.
Curated by award-winning poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa, Upu gives the stage to Oceania’s most electrifying poetry. Ben Brown, Karlo Mila, Albert Wendt and more; Upu is for the trailblazers, the icons and the new writers transforming Aotearoa today.
In Upu, borders disappear and for just over an hour, the theatre becomes a sea of islands. Be transported across an ocean to hear the voices dealing with colonisation, family, climate change, love, sex, religion, power and tourists.
Performed by a stellar cast of some of the best Tagata Moana actors in Aotearoa NZ — Maiava Nathaniel Lees, Mia Blake, Fasitua Amosa, Nicola Kāwana, Ana Corbett and Shadon Meredith.
“In short, Upu shows Oceanic storytelling is truly amazing” — Herald
Proudly supported by Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

TICKET PRICING
MAYFAIR THEATRE
SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025, 6.00PM
Recommended for ages 15+. Contains strong language and adult themes.
Tickets
ADULT: $59.00 + booking fees
UNDER 25: $25.00 + booking fees
SENIOR: $45.00 + booking fees
GROUP (6+): $45.00 + booking fees
OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS
Refer our Terms & Conditions
ACCESS AT THE MAYFAIR THEATRE:
The Mayfair Theatre unfortunately does not have disabled access. The easiest access into the auditorium is via one flight of stairs (18 steps) and up a slight ramp to get into the halfway point of the auditorium, this gets you to row J which we recommend as the best seats for low mobility patrons in particular seats J3-J8 and seats J23-J28.
Public toilets are located at the very top of the stairs in the foyer.

