Southern Utah University's Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) is set to host its Annual Polynesian Showcase, a cultural event that celebrates the rich traditions of the Pacific Islands. The student-led affair, running from February 27 to March 1, invites the community to experience an array of dance, music, and storytelling at 6 PM nightly in the SUU Auditorium Theatre. The showcase, this year titled "Gatekeepers of Oceania: Island Love," is designed to spotlight the unique cultures and shared values of six Polynesian siblings representing Tonga, Samoa, Hawai’i, Tahiti, Fiji, and New Zealand.
According to SUU News, the showcase follows the narrative of the siblings as they come together to spread love and unity throughout the islands. The event promises to be a tapestry of cultural expression, weaving together performances that each highlight different perspectives on love, though their names might differ, they resonate with the same meaning. Brenna Jane Fangupo, President of SUU PISA, crafted the storyline that's set to be embodied through drum beats, fluid dance moves, and colorful costumes.
Tevita Sekeni, Director of Pacific Region Operations at SUU International Affairs, and Noaese Taeatafa, Academic Advisor for the College of Engineering & Computational Sciences, lead the PISA. The 2024-25 Showcase Committee, consisting of Alexis Taeatafa, Autumn Aiono-Fuimaono, Joseph Vaa’ivaka, Larry Ursua, Mele Palu, and Sosaia Sekeni, has worked diligently to maintain the showcase's cultural authenticity and ensure a seamless flow for the performances.
Each section of the showcase has been curated with the help of Kumu, or teachers, who bring their expertise to the event. They include Napoleone Sekeni and Blessing Tuufaagatu from Fiji, Kamele Lung and Noah Alejado for Hawai’i, Olaea Puefua and Eva Alcoran representing New Zealand, Blessing Tuufaagatu and Naomi Tau for Samoa, Magdalene Timoteo and Harevaa Hatitio from Tahiti, and Falepaini Sekeni, Ana Siutoni, and Lester Bailey III showcasing Tonga. The cultural guidance provided by these Kumu is invaluable to the legitimacy and dynamism of the performances.
Those interested in attending can purchase tickets through Venmo at @cedarcitypisa or at the door. Ticket pricing is set at $7 for students with ID, $5 for children under 12, and $10 for general admission. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the cultural festivities and witness the storytelling that seeks to connect and celebrate the diverse Pacific Islander communities.
