THE University of the South Pacific’s Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture & Pacific Studies will premiere its first major theatrical production since December 2023, bringing the Pacific legend of Sina and the Eel to the main stage on August 7-8 at Laucala Campus.
The production will be a bit of a relaunch of the Centre’s performing and musical arts streams, reuniting its two resident ensembles — the Oceania Dance Theatre and Pasifika Voices — while introducing the Oceania Dance Academy.
Written and directed by Ateca Ravuvu, with Musical Director Calvin Rore and Assistant Musical Director Tupou Bulai Muriwaqa, Sina offers a contemporary retelling of a story familiar across Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Rotuma.
Director Dr Katrina Talei Igglesden said the production reflects Epeli Hau’ofa’s vision for the Centre as a home for contemporary Pacific art forms.
“Sharing stories of our people and by our people in innovative and dynamic ways speaks to the heart of Epeli Hau’ofa’s vision,” she said.
“Productions such as Sina celebrate not only the story itself, but also the talent and creativity of each member of the team — every aspect is creativity in action from the acting, dancing, lighting, sounds, music, costumes. And all of that creativity is local!”
Ravuvu said directing the production represents a full-circle moment. She first encountered the same production in the early 2000s at age 18, performed by the Oceania Dance Theatre under late founder Allan Alo. She went on to dance with the company for 13 years.
“To return to the Oceania Centre now as the Dance Coordinator and direct my own interpretation of the work that first inspired my career is incredibly special,” she said.
Since late 2024, the Centre has worked to rebuild its arts programmes. Ravuvu has taken artistic liberty to fuse elements from multiple traditions rather than drawing from a single version of the legend.
Tickets will be available for purchase soon.
