Tautua: A Journey

‘O le ala i le pule o le tautua’ (the path to leadership is service)’ – a prominent proverb in Sāmoan culture believed to be a way of life and how Sāmoan individuals navigate the world. In this exhilarating autobiographical work, Fale Tumanu interrogates tautua using thought-provoking poetry and monologues – a recollection of 6 pivotal stages of her life where the ‘acts of service’ is being challenged.

By questioning the traditional view of acts of service as always virtuous and dignified, she enlightens the darker, more toxic and sometimes contradictory attributes within the way Sāmoan individuals use tautua to navigate the world around them.

The show was previously performed as part of Shopfront’s ArtsLab: “Reverb” festival of new work, from Sydney’s most exciting emerging artists. For the first time, Fale Tumanu will be bringing this culturally immersed show, in partnership with Satiu Studios, to Kingston Butter Factory’s Butterbox Theatre.

Written and Performed by Fale Tumanu
Mentored by Grace Vanilau and Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu

Image by Joshua Morris

Content Warning:

Contains mild references to sexual abuse and violence.

This performance is brought to life in partnership with Satiu Studios.