SAUNIGA

Samoan Proverb: ‘E sui faiga ae tumau fa’avae.’ Translation: The form changes, but the underlying principles remain. Join in for this work-in-progress sharing by the internationally acclaimed Queer Indigenous arts collective FAFSWAG. SAUNIGA explores the majestic world of the earliest ancestors: the animals from the land, sky and ocean. SAUNIGA recalls the sacred connections between spirits (Aitu) of the old world and the lives of their Samoan descendants. Bringing together dance, costume and ceremony, SAUNIGA seeks out playful discovery, posing curious reflections on our relationship with animals and the environment, told through a Samoan world view. SAUNIGA is a new work in development which will premiere at Manchester International Festival. The presentation at Asia TOPA shares excerpts from early development of the work.