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July-Aug 2007 No.3 |
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[entertainment]
"Amerikanesia": Exploring cultural identity through dance.
Exclusive interview with Mevina and Tiana Liufau of Nonosina.
'"Where are we? What the hell is going on?"
But more specifically, what is Imogene Heap's song "Hide and Seek" doing in a Polynesian show?
If it's a Nonosina show, every element has a purpose. It happened on the night of the award winning Nonosina's show "Amerikanesia" and it felt so out of place, yet, strangely, it felt so brilliantly appropriate and relevant. As trans-oceanic people populating various corners of this earth, these are the questions we ask ourselves on a daily basis. "Where are we? What the hell is going on?"
To some, Amerikanesia may seem pretentious, but, to others, it is another stroke of genius from the dynamic brother and sister duo who direct Nonosina, Mevina and Tiana Liufau. Amerikanesia blends the many elements that influence the personal and creative lives of the Liufau's, namely, traditional Polynesian dancing and music infused with hip hop, pop culture and electronica. The result is surprising and fresh, but also thought provoking.
Amerikanesia is also a personal statement, drawn from Mevina's own painful experience of rejection by a culture that he cherished so much. Amerikanesia is an experience that pushes and redefines the way we construct our cultural identity, through an art form that is codified and regulated by our cultural gatekeepers and traditionalists.
It was only fitting in the end, the audience reaction was somewhat divided - some were disappointed because their expectations of "tradition" were not met. However, the majority were completely blown away and celebrated at how Tiana and Mevina's vision took them to a different place and how it accurately reflected their own experiences
Regardless of the outcome, they successfully sparked the dialogue about cultural identity and redefining the boundaries of what it means to be a Polynesian in America.
The Pacific Eye is extremely honored to interview Mevina and Tiana Liufau of Nonosina.