iTaukei Animations Project

TTFB has been supporting the production of comics on animated itukuni, traditional folktales in collaboration with iTaukei institutions. The objective is to revitalize myths, legends and folktales in a more interactive and meaningful way. iTukuni animations are published as supplementary resources or reading materials for primary schools.

Theatre

Nai Lululu

Na iLululu, written by Dr. Apolonia Tamata and directed by Larry Thomas, is the second drama production in the Fijian language about a tradition of kaunimatanigone – or the introduction of children to their mother’s village. The production involves an enactment of this tradition with unfolding issues of modernization, differences between the younger and older generations, and between men and women in Fijian society.

Nai Ketekete Qele

Na Ketekete Qele: na itukuni kei Di Nono, curated by Dr. Apolonia Tamata and directed by Apete Marayawa, is a drama produced in 2011, initially to showcase the Fijian history, culture and traditions at the Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan. It is based on a creation myth on how the island of Naigani was formed, and is infused with vucu and serekali originally composed by members of the cast. Honoring the provenance of the myth, Na Ketekete Qele was launched and initially performed as isevu to Ratu Meli Vesikula, turaga na Ratu, vanua o Naisanokonoko, Verata, Tailevu. Following performances in Osaka, this ensemble attracted a lot of interests locally and culminated to a three day and night performance at the Civic Auditorium in 2011.

Lakovi

Lakovi is the Fijian tradition of seeking a girl’s hand in marriage. The general aim of this production was to enact the performance of Lakovi and promote the Fijian language and culture. This drama also aims at addressing issues of modernization, human rights, religion and the common practice of marriage without seeking traditional consent.

Masi Theatrical Production

‘Masi’ is a theatrical collaboration between artistic directors, Nina Nawalowalo and Tom McCrory, legendary British illusionist Paul Kieve and the ensemble of six male Fijian dancers from the Kabu ni Vanua Dance Group. This is a piece that interweaves the meaning of Fijian masi and the love story of a Fijian chief and a New Zealand woman, whose descendants discover memories of their past and trace lines that make them who they are today. ‘Masi’ was staged at the NZ International Arts Festival in 2012.