Latest News
MALAGA - by Thomas Fonua
Friday, October 16, 2015Thomas Fonua is not just an award winning professional dancer, choreographer and teacher. In 2015, Thomas founded the ‘Ia Manuia’ initiative, focussing on the slogan – ‘Pay. It. Forward.’ He has a strong vision to give back to his Pacific community, pushing to create opportunities for young members. His primary focus is on demonstrating the possibilities out there for Pacific people in the Arts.
Tomorrow night is the World Premiere of his newest piece MALAGA, performing on 17 – 18 October at the Q Theatre in Auckland, New Zealand as part of the TEMPO Dance Festival. Conceived, choreographed and directed by Thomas the work features himself and the dancers of ADT.
MALAGA is a dynamic new work tracing back to the 19th century when Samoan men, women and children toured Germany as part of “human zoos” or ‘Volkershau”. Drawing from themes such as exhibition, captivity and exoticism, MALAGA explores the history and identifiable habits we have in the present, placing our culture up for sale. Thomas’ background was what drew him to begin two years of research into the dark history of the ‘human zoos’.
The premiere forms part of a powerful double bill also featuring Vivian Hosking-Aue (Short & Sweet Dance Supreme winner 2014).
Vivian Hosking-Aue’s E V E alchemises the formation of a new and complete human through electric urban Pacific contemporary dance. We think and create as a voice. We instruct the ‘E V E’ gang to construct. We are dumb but realize the realities and elements of what we build. ‘E V E’ weaves through us, bullying the concepts for a whole new powerful human form to come to life.
Ia Manuia are hosting workshops for the professional freelance dance community, catering to freelance independents and tertiary dance students. These workshops give participants an insight into the choreographic language of ADT, learning aspects of tumbling, style and technique.
MALAGA features as part ADT’s Rough Draft on Friday November 6, as part of a special extended program.
To purchase tickets for MALAGA in New Zealand click here.
To register your seats online to see MALAGA in this month’s Rough Draft click here.
ADT is committed to encouraging dance artists and choreographers and is a proud supporter of MALAGA and Ia Manuia.
