|
|
|
|
|
DRAMA, FILM AND MUSIC AT ‘PACIFIC SPIRIT’ |
|
By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
|
| |
“It had been another
night of bruising thoughts of her children filled her mind..the stench
of alcohol on his breath..she stood in the darkness of that old oak
tree and wrapped her bare feet with the crumpled up newspaper to cover
them from the bitter cold as she contemplated her life..the life of her
children..she held back the storm of tears..she’d been in that spot so
many times before…”
This was a segment of a monologue by Siaosi Mulipola sharing the story
of a mother through the eyes of a child and the impact of alcohol abuse
and domestic violence. Siaosi was a part of the presentation by a group
of Pacific providers / artists at the “Pacific Spirit” Conference held
at Waipuna Convention Centre in Mt Wellington in early March.
The main objectives of the conference was “to provide participants with
an insight into the range of current practices; to share information on
effective programmes that promote safe alcohol use amongst Pacific
people; and to impart skills for those working with Pacific families
and communities so that they experience less harm from alcohol.”
The academia of keynote speaker, Dr Ana Taufe’ulungaki from the
University of the South Pacific, the wit and humor of comedian Tofiga
Fepulea’i and a dynamic multi-media presentation from an alliance of
Pacific providers were a few of the main highlights at the conference.
The group consisted of Edward Cowley, Siaosi Mulipola from the Pacific
Peoples Project, New Zealand Aids Foundation (NZAF), Yvonne Kainuku-Walsh
from the Centre of Youth Health, Rene’e Haitoua from Affirming Women
and Asey Lio from Mt Albert Grammar. The group treated the audience to a 90 minute
presentation, “Imperishable Seeds, a metaphor for youth development.”
The drama, film and music piece portrayed stories of alcohol abuse, domestic
violence, suicide and other issues. “It was such an emotional experience for me
because I could relate to the stories being told and it was also a time of
self-reflection on my role as a drug and alcohol worker in assessing if I was
doing everything possible in supporting youth with “a” and “d” issues,” said one
participant.
The performance by the group confirmed once again the enormous talent
of Pacific people in drama, music and the arts and |
|
 |
|
|
Edward Cowley, Yvonne Kainuku-Walsh, Rene’e Haitoua, Siaosi
Mulipola (insert) Asey Lio. |
 |
|
The drama, film and music piece portrayed stories of alcohol
abuse, domestic violence, suicide and other issues. |
 |
|
Other participants taking time out: Silipa Take (NZAids
Foundation), Norman Vaele (Youth & Cultural Development), and
Siaosi Mulipola (NZAids Foundation) |
| |
how it can be used effectively in
communicating messages to target audiences. As a result, the artists have been
invited to perform at other events and some organisations have pledged monetary
assistance for the implementation of the youth projects they are currently
involved with.
As well as having day jobs, these youth workers are performers in their own
right having worked in the drama / music / entertainment arena for several
years. Edward Cowley, better known as the notorious drag queen, Buckweat is a
familiar face in the entertainment sector. Siaosi Mulipola has a performing arts
background having acted in Makerita Urale’s “Popo and the Fairy” and producing
“Paper Flowers” launched in Christchurch last month. Rene’e Haitoua is currently
a vocalist with Fou Nature, due to release a CD album in December; Yvonne
Kainuku-Walsh has also worked in drama productions in the Malaga project, Tautai
Artists Exhibition and others. Asey Lio is a successful songwriter,
percussionist and founder of Fou Nature.
The 2 day conference was organised by the ALAC Pacific Island Committee in
collaboration with Pacific Island Education Resource Centre. (PIERC)
“..and I unwrapped the crumpled-up newspaper from my mothers feet ..and wiped
away the dirt and grime with my tears..and I held her hand as we walked away
from that old oak tree…”
|
|
| |
Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
