HBAF 2023 - Ko Au: Malosi

From the creators of last year’s Festival gem Ko Au, comes Ko Au: Malosi, a powerful collaborative piece created and directed by Seidah Tuaoi and Joshua Mitikulena, and featuring Pasifika creatives from Aotearoa, Australia and the USA.

Exploring the notion of strength from a New Zealand born Samoan perspective within the context of living in Heretaunga, Ko Au: Malosi is inspired by the resilience of people in Te-Matau-a-Māui in recent years. This compelling performance is a continuation of Tuaoi’s work Flaws, which she choreographed, performed, and filmed in 2020 to huge acclaim.  

Set within St Matthews Anglican Church, audiences are invited to interact and reflect on the notion of strength as they journey through beautiful spaces activated with dance, spoken poetry and song to tell a story of hope.

Fusing the intense hip-hop dance style of Popping with graceful and delicate Siva Samoa dance movements, Tuaoi has created the dance style ‘Popping Puletasi’ which features for the first time in this full- length performance.

Ko Au: Malosi is an extraordinary exploration of cultural identity, ancestral history and honouring the land on which we stand. We welcome you into a unique evening of originality and brilliance from these talented creators.