Tafatolu

Kia ora, Talofa lava!

My name is Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters, I’m a Samoan/Māori creative based in Tāmaki Makaurau whose passion lies in storytelling based on personal lived experience. My team and I are devising and debuting our physical theatre show ‘Tafatolu’ in the Winter/Matariki season at Basement Theatre this August 2025. 

‘Tafatolu’- is a visceral, musical, and physical adaptation of the stories passed down from our tupuna, tuaā, and fanga-kui. Stories born from Pasifika mythology inspired by the traditional samoan theatre style of fale aitu. Venturing into a realm unknown we bear witness to the awakening of our ancestral knowledge and gods who have lied dormant within us awaiting their turn to dance!

We understand if donating isn’t an option for you as the time we find ourselves in is unforgiving for our communities, so instead we ask that you please share our campaign to spread our reach if donating isn't a viable option. 

Every boost counts! Fa’afetai tele lava!

We’re very lucky to have a team specialised in the performing arts and can’t wait for you to see them in all their glory!

Director/Performer - Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters

Producer - Renee Wiki 

Stage Manager - Nimeti Akatere 

Dramaturg - Fuimaono-Tuimafuiva Falesātaua Joshua (Mush) Iosefo

Costume & Set Designer- Jonjon Tolovae 

Music Director - Lijah Mavaega 

Lighting Designer - Alylai Flynn 

Creatives/Cast:

Netane Taukiuvea 

Lijah Mavaega 

Josephine Mavaega 

Tristin Katoa    

Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters 

We are extremely grateful to BOOSTED X MOANA for match funding our campaign with $3,000 and giving us a platform to help provide financial support for our team of artists and creatives. This will relieve some financial stress and allow our artists creative freedom in knowing that they will be compensated for their hard work. 

It will also support us throughout our rehearsal and performance process contributing to the following: 

• Materials for costume/staging
• Fees for our team/travel
• Fees for rehearsal spaces
• Kai and necessities for our team
• Marketing fees

Tafatolu is a devised physical theatre show adapted from Pasifika mythology, pulling inspiration from the Polynesian pantheon of gods, deities, and mythic identities. Through physical performance, visual storytelling, and live pese we aim to immerse audiences in a world somewhat familiar. 

As the narrative unfolds, we meet two best friends Ihaka and Maau whose unwillingness to change causes disruption among realms. The external forces including the mighty Nafanua, the mischievous Talafale, and the charming Fa’ataualofa who catch wind of the two’s antics and decide to step in. This forces the two friends to seek knowledge through their own identities and this adventure becomes a test determined by the gods. 

Through the narrative we will explore the concepts of culture, identity, brotherhood, love, and service.

Tafatolu aims to be a giant celebration of self expression through culture and identity. Speaking from my experience when I was young, I grew up with limited access to certain things surrounding my culture such as people and resources that could guide me which led me to feel out of place without knowing why. I wish for Tafatolu to affirm the young who have access to these things and encourage those who don’t to have the confidence to seek it out and find their community. 

Through performance our intention is to inspire and energize our rangatahi, to make our tupuna proud, and remind our audience that it’s never too late to reconnect with your roots.