The Cultch Presents
UPU
Upu Collective (Aotearoa/New Zealand)
A journey through the heartbeat of Pacific poetry.
“It swept the audience up in wave after wave after wave of passion, emotion, of storytelling at its finest that pulled at the soul.”—NZ Herald
25/26 CULTCH PRESENTATION
CANADIAN PREMIERE
WARRIOR FESTIVAL
FEB 17–21, 2026
YORK THEATRE
60 minutes, no intermission
Recommended for ages 15+
Phone:604-251-1363
Email: [email protected]
Summer Hours
Monday to Friday: 12–4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
YORK THEATRE
639 Commercial Dr,
Vancouver, BC
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About the show
Be immersed in the heart of the Pacific Ocean with UPU, a dynamic and electrifying theatre experience that brings the ocean’s rich voices to life.
Curated by award-winning poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa, this acclaimed theatrical work consists of the upu (meaning ‘words’) from 23 poets, including young activists, Poet Laureates and literary prize winners.
Spanning five decades and over a dozen cultures across Te Moana nui a Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), the poems share the myriad of stories and perspectives of people connected by the largest body of water on earth. UPU is performed in English by six of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated actors, who masterfully create a snapshot of experiences as broad and deep as the Pacific Ocean.
Enhanced by evocative lights, projections, and a multi-layered soundscape, UPU is a celebration of the Pacific, its people, and their stories.
The Draw
SHOW CREDITS
Created and performed by UPU Collective (Aotearoa/New Zealand)
Artistic Director & Co-Creator:
Fasitua Amosa
Curator & Co-Creator:
Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Producer:
Ana Corbett
Production Manager & Sound Engineer:
Emily Hakaraia
Lighting & Projection Design & Technical Operator:
Rowan Pierce
Soundscape Design & Original Composition:
Faiumu Matthew Salapu
Set Design:
Michael McCabe
Costume Design:
Kristen Seth
Artist & Cultural Design Elements (Mamanu Design):
Tyla Vaeau
Movement & Choreography:
Joash Fahitua
Stage Manager:
Edward Peni
Executive Producer:
Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ)
PANNZ Producer:
Andrew Malmo
UPU features the work of the following poets:
Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Craig Santos Perez, Sia Figiel, Briar Grace-Smith, Daren Kamali, Karlo Mila, Grace Mera Molisa, Noʻu Revilla, Celestine Kulagoe, John Pule, Tafea Polamalu, Leilani Tamu, Apirana Taylor, Teresia Teaiwa, Hone Tuwhare, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Konai Helu Thaman, Albert Leomala, Maualaivao Albert Wendt and Lyz Soto.
Reviews
TRAILER
TICKET PRICES.
Section A+:
$49
Section A:
$44
Section B:
$39
Section C:
$29
Ways to Save.
The Cultch Connects Program provides complimentary tickets to community organizations and social service groups. It also offers complimentary tickets to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to attending Cultch performances. To request Cultch Connects tickets, please email [email protected]
This program is made possible with the support of our generous donor community. Learn more about what your donation can do for our community.
Complimentary tickets are available for Indigenous patrons thanks to the support of the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation.
Use promo code INDIGENOUS to book up to two complimentary tickets. Those who wish to book tickets for a larger group or family can contact [email protected]
