Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands: A Pasifika Extravaganza at the 2024 Hamilton Arts Festival
The vibrant city of Hamilton is set to come alive with a unique cultural fusion as some of Waikato's top Pasifika performers take center stage at the 2024 Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa. The spotlight will shine brightly on the all-new show, "Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands," a groundbreaking performance that promises to blend Pasifika cultural traditions with the magic of musical theatre.
Created by internationally touring artists Jessica Ruck-Nu’u and Iosia Tofilau, alongside award-winning creative Benny Marama, "Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands" is not your typical musical theatre showcase. The trio, deeply involved in Waikato's musical theatre scene, sought a fresh perspective on the genre. Co-producer Benny Marama explains, "By viewing the music through a Pasifika lens, we're ensuring this concert isn't just your bog-standard musical theatre showcase."
Fresh from touring the Middle East with the acclaimed "Shrek the Musical," Jessica Ruck-Nu’u and Iosia Tofilau conceived "Cheehoo!" as a way to engage with the diverse Pasifika community in Waikato. Jessica reflects on her journey, stating, "As a Pasifika woman, I felt like I was on the outside. It wasn't until I started doing shows with friends like Iosia that I became aware and proud of my brownness."
"Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands" promises a dynamic showcase of Pasifika talent, featuring songs from popular musicals such as Hamilton, Hairspray, and Chicago. Traditional Pasifika instruments and dance will be seamlessly woven into the performance, creating an event that is both culturally rich and musically exhilarating. Iosia Tofilau emphasizes, "It's a fantastic showcase of the incredibly talented members we have in our community."
Originally conceived as a series of small concerts, "Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands" has stepped onto the grand stage at the Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens, for the opening night of the 2024 Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa. Iosia Tofilau expresses the significance of this platform for Pasifika performers, stating, "This concert is so important for all of us to have a platform as Pasifika performers. Just as our ancestors created the pathway for us to be seen, we're proud to be doing the same for other Pasifika performers in our community."
Mark your calendars for February 23, 2024, at 8 pm, and join the celebration at the Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens. General admission is $25, with a concession rate of $20.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience a night of cultural celebration, exceptional talent, and the infectious spirit of "Cheehoo! Jandals to Jazzhands."