Tautahi brings HIKULE’O to Pacific Dance Festival, 2023.
HIKULE’O is a work that celebrates the stories and mana of the paramount chieftess of Tonga’s underworld, Pulotu. Hikule’o was responsible for harvesting, fertility, and had supreme power over her brothers’ children.
While this work aims at reclaiming and reconnecting with ancient knowledge, the work also recreates ancient sounds and movements.
The work features 2 parts, which bring together ancient sounds of ‘Otuhaka, Me’etu’upaki, chants as well as modern acapella singing. The work also weaves together ancient and modern Tongan choreography and dances as well as spoken words and the recreation of old chants and scales.
About Tautahi:
The group Tautahi was founded in Sydney, Australia and aimed at telling stories of ancient Gods and Goddesses through music, poetry and movement. Tautahi’s artistic director, Sisi’uno Helu has been a choreographer and musician for almost 30 years and has toured internationally. The group brings together versatile dancers, poets and musicians of First Nations, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and European heritage.
Artistic Director: Sisi’uno Helu
Choreography: Sisi’uno Helu and Daniel Mateo
Music: Sisi’uno Helu and Daniel Mateo
Costume: Virginia Helu
Cast
Sisi’uno Helu
Tamia Mahe
Cia Müller
Molonai Makalio
Clive Ellwood
Tongan Vei
Mele Taufa Naulu