Originally published in Waikato Times, Wednesday 10 December 2025.
By Paora Manuel.
Theatre show Upu that will take the stage at Waikato Regional Theatre in February 2026.
An award-winning theatre show will bring the poems and poetry of the pacific to the Waikato Regional Theatre in February next year.
The show, Upu - will bring together poetry to celebrate the stories, strength and spirit of the pacific based on work by renowed poets like Albert Wendt, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Hone Tuwhare, Tusiata Avia and Ben Brown and other emerging writers.
There will be two shows at the regional theatre - February 12 and 13.
Upu, which means “word” in many Pacific languages - will feature works that reflect o cultural identity, history and the challenges faced by pacific communities from Hawaiians debating Captain Cook’s legacy, to the joys of SPAM in Guam.
The show will bring together poetry to celebrate the stories, strength and spirit of the Pacific.
Performed by an extraordinary ensemble of Tagata Moana artists including Miriama McDowell, Jarod Rawiri and Nicola Kāwana, and enhanced by evocative lighting, projections and an original multi-layered soundscape design.
All of the poems are performed in English.
Tickets go on sale at midday Friday.
It’s the latest in a series of shows that have been announced at the Theatre, ahead of its opening on Monday, January 19.
Concerts and shows by Dave Dobbyn, Teeks, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Sophie Ellis-Bextor the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet are among the other acts that will be seen by audiences next year.
Other regional theatre shows on the horizon include the Soweto Gospel Choir on March 28, and Tommy Emmanuel on May 19.