What happens when you mix trees, ghosts, deer and mischief with one of Aotearoa’s most imaginative choreographers? You get Shel We – an enchanting, mischievous and delightfully offbeat dance work by Tupua Tigafua.

Taking inspiration from the whimsical words of the American writer and cartoonist Shel Silverstein (the genius behind The Giving Tree and Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue), Shel We is a playful tribute to Tupua’s parents, family, and the world that shaped him. Beneath the laughter and strangeness lies a moving celebration of love, memory and the natural world, set against an evocative classical score.

Tupua Tigafua is no stranger to pushing dance into magical new places. Having performed with New Zealand’s great dance companies including Black Grace, MAU and The New Zealand Dance Company, his career has taken him around the globe. Since winning the Creative New Zealand Emerging Artist Award at the Arts Pasifika Awards, Tupua has built a reputation as a distinct storyteller whose works shimmer with heart and humour.

Shel We has already entranced audiences from New Zealand to Sweden. Quirky, heartfelt, and joyously human, this contemporary gem is a mischievous dance adventure for audiences of all ages.

This is a show to share with friends and family, from as young as 4yrs to adults of all ages.

About Tupua Tigafua

Tupua’s professional career has seen him dance internationally for some of Aotearoa’s creative powerhouses such as Black Grace, MAU and The New Zealand Dance Company. As a choreographer, Tupua received the creative New Zealand emerging artist award at the arts Pasifika awards in 2017. He has created dance works for Footnote Dance Company, Unitec Institute of Technology, Alofagia Le Opera by TAPA (feat Sole Mio) and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. Tupua’s first full length dance work Shel We, premiered at the Measina Festival in Wellington, before touring to the Festival of Cultures, Kia Mau festival, Hawkes Bay Arts Festival, Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, Pacific Dance Festival and the BIBU biennial in Helsingborg, Sweden. His successive work Ciggy Butts In The Sand was created in collaboration with award-winning composer David Long (The Muttonbirds, The Hobbit) and saw Tupua win the Best Choreography award at the Wellington Theatre Awards in 2022. His most recent work 14 Malone Road, premiered at the Measina Festival in 2023 and that same year, he created choreography for theatre works The Savage Coloniser Show by Tusiata Avia and O Le Pepelo, Le Gaoi Ma Le Pala’ai by IKenSo Productions.

Supported by Creative New Zealand.

Waverley Council's artistic program supports the free expression of ideas. All artists, panellists and guests reflect and speak their own views. 

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