Meet the Makers: Hadleigh Pouesi
Published: Friday 9 August 2024
In this edition of Meet the Makers we talk to Hadleigh Pouesi creative director of Freshman’s Dance Crew and the mastermind behind the modern re-telling of Pacific Superhero Māui, coming to the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre on Wed 14 Aug.
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
Kia ora, Talofa, my name is Hadleigh Pouesi. I am a Pacific creative who specializes in street dance and theatre.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
I love seeing the effects creativity has on young people. The way that creative process unlocks potential and breaks down barriers is unlike any other craft. I have seen many shy young people come into the creative space and leave confident and proud of who they are.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
Time! I love creativity but I'm not in a space to have it as my full time job, so rehearsals and prep for performances tend to slip into the late hours of the night.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
O le ala, I le pule, o le tautua. The path to leadership is through service.
What’s the best show you’ve seen this year?
Siva by Black Grace blew my mind! I was lucky enough to be gifted tickets from my mentor Tupe Lualua, that show was an eye opener! I am also a big fan of O from Cirque Du Soliel.
Who are your favourite artists/theatre companies/musicians etc. and why?
Big question! I will have to break this one down;
- Dancer / Choreographer would be Shaun Evaristo, how he uses movement to tell stories and convey emotions is like none other. His heart for his community is also massive.
- Theatre company, I think New Zealand has some of the best Theatre makers with the likes of Black Grace, NZDC, Ta'alili. But my love for theatre began when I watched the Naked Samoans and Massive Theatre companies Sons of Charlie Paora
How have Auckland Live supported you through the years and what does this support mean to you?
I credit a lot of my Artistic career to the support and opportunities given through Auckland Live. The team have believed in me and have resourced me with the tools to evolve my craft and have pushed me to create bigger than I can imagine. MĀUI was birthed from Auckland Live and has been supported to grow from an idea to an internationally touring show.
Tell us about your upcoming show Māui, and the importance of this particular show
MĀUI is so close to my heart. How it has evolved and grown is a journey I am most proud of. And now, we get to take our stories to the world. To be able to have our send-off at the Kiri Te Kanawa theatre is not only special, but it feels like a fitting end to this era of MĀUI. The KTK is home for us, and this performance is going to be so special to the entire cast.
What can audiences expect from MĀUI?
EVERYTHING!! Laughs, cries, pride and most importantly, PACIFIC FLAVOUR. We fit so much into this show and use so many artistic disciplines to paint the characteristics of the Pacific Demi-god, MĀUI.
What does it mean to have this show be taken over to Australia?
This is such a huge opportunity for us. Our vision as a collective is to be a home for artists and a waka for stories, this tour is the first time that we get to set our waka to sea and take our stories to the world. We have also sold out our season at the Sydney Opera House, so this will be a MASSIVE debut for us on the international touring circuit.
What do you reckon Australian audiences can take from MĀUI?
There are a lot of Pacific people who have grown up in the Diaspora living in Australia, I feel that this show will not only entertain Australian audiences but connect them to their roots and inspire them to embrace their Pacific culture.
