Rako’s Sau Folu performance offered an unforgettable opening night, immersing audiences in the rich tapestry of Rotuman culture. This collective of Rotuman artists masterfully integrates their heritage into their creative expressions, featuring talents from Rotuma and the vibrant Rotuman community in Auckland, Aotearoa.
Sau Folu delves into the stories of three Rotuman women of royal descent, figures embodying the strength and spirit of female monarchs and warriors. These women, central to ancient Rotuman narratives, are depicted as possessing immense power, resilience, and bravery, rooted in a peaceful yet potent force. This spirit manifests in diverse forms – as fierce protectors, warrior queens, nurturing mothers of the land, and daughters radiating purity and a deep connection to their ancestral lands. They guide their people, often taking the symbolic forms of birds or revered ocean totems. The performance also highlights the pivotal role of women as agents of change, embodying the vigilant guardianship of the land, healers, protectors, and champions of justice in all its forms.
Letila Mitchell, the director, expertly crafts an environment that draws the audience into the heart of Rotuma. The world of Sau Folu is presented viscerally, offering a glimpse into the essence of Rotuman experience. The show commences with a captivating collaboration between two powerful women, their choreography immediately establishing the theme of female leadership within Rotuman culture. Their strength is conveyed through movements that are both sharp and subtly nuanced, a testament to the refined power of Rotuman dancers.
The seamless blend of male and female voices in singing, chanting, and dancing was truly mesmerizing, showcasing a remarkable unity and ensemble spirit. It radiated mana, the spiritual life force and power, and the strength of cultural resilience, particularly poignant given the challenges of maintaining cultural expression through the recent pandemic years. The technical aspect of projection played a crucial role in creating an immersive experience, effectively capturing the inherent power of Rotuman women. The innovative use of projection was particularly noteworthy; presenting it before the dancers appeared could have further amplified the show’s thematic introduction, setting the stage in the realms of Rotuma before the physical performance unfolded, creating a continuous and impactful flow. Nevertheless, the existing interplay between projection and performers was aesthetically compelling and well-executed.
The staging, featuring a mini-ensemble of musicians playing instruments and singing, was a stroke of brilliance, forging an authentic and intimate atmosphere that deeply resonated with the audience. Sau Folu distinguished itself beautifully from broader Pacific (Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian) performances, powerfully showcasing unique Rotuman cultural adornments. The Rotuman dancing, interwoven with contemporary elements, tangibly connected the audience to the vital role of women in Rotuman society, with the male performers offering crucial support to this central theme. The strength of the Rotuman women was undeniably a highlight. The grace and determination evident in their performance revealed a warrior spirit distinct from the often aggressive and overtly forceful portrayal of male warriors. Instead, the women’s grace underscored their strength as not just complementary to men, but as a powerful force in their own right, taking center stage. The ancestral singing, with its rich harmonies of soprano, tenor, and alto voices, evoked a palpable sense of history and tradition, sending chills through the audience throughout the performance.
The presence of Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni further underscored the significance of the event. Her concluding remarks eloquently articulated the show’s importance, stating, “we are a city or one of the biggest cities or the biggest Polynesian city in the world and yet we only have a small minority of Rotumans and when we see you represented on stage like this then you certainly take your power and make your place known.”
Sau Folu achieved a profound impact by illuminating the crucial role of Rotuman women while also exploring broader themes of intersectional feminism, emphasizing its relevance within contemporary society. This performance is undoubtedly a significant and impactful work that firmly places Rotuman culture in the spotlight, celebrating its unique contributions to the world of dance and cultural expression.
Explore more about Sau Folu here!
