Pacific Islander Student Association at Southern Utah University Presents Annual Polynesian Showcase

Published: February 26, 2025 | Read Time: 3 minutes

The Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) at Southern Utah University is thrilled to invite the community to its much-anticipated Annual Polynesian Showcase, taking place from February 27 to March 1 at 6 PM in the SUU Auditorium Theatre.

This year’s showcase, titled Gatekeepers of Oceania: Island Love, will bring to life the vibrant cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands through an unforgettable night of dance, music, and storytelling. The showcase follows the journey of six Polynesian siblings — Tonga, Samoa, Hawai’i, Tahiti, Fiji, and New Zealand — as they spread love and unity across the Pacific.

Storyline by Brenna Jane Fangupo, President of SUU Pacific Islander Student Association.

In a magical realm beyond the horizon, five Polynesian siblings—Tonga (’Ofa), Samoa (Alofa), Hawai’i (Aloha), Tahiti (Hērē), Fiji (Loloma), and New Zealand (Aroha)—are chosen as the Gatekeepers of Oceania, tasked with spreading "island love" across the Pacific. Each sibling represents a different kind of love, and although their names sound different, they all share the same meaning, symbolizing the unity of their cultures.

The journey begins on the shores of Hawai’i, where Aloha (the lively sibling) turns jealousy into a joyful dance of forgiveness. The siblings work together to show that happiness can overcome anger.

In Tahiti, Hērē helps heal tensions between two clans through love and shared stories. In Fiji, Loloma promotes compassion by helping villagers recognize their common humanity. Tonga, in the Festival of Love, celebrates unity and the island’s beauty, encouraging the people to embrace differences. New Zealand helps an elder revive his faith in love, while Samoa ends the journey with a Feast of Community, bringing people together through shared meals and laughter.

The story concludes with the siblings returning to their celestial home, leaving behind a glowing symbol of love that lights up the ocean—a beacon of unity across the islands. The legacy of love continues, inspiring future generations to cherish their connections and celebrate their cultures.

The SUU Pacific Islander Student Association is under the direction of Tevita Sekeni, Director of Pacific Region Operations, SUU International Affairs and Noaese Taeatafa, Academic Advisor for the College of Engineering & Computational Sciences.

The success of this event is also thanks to the dedicated efforts of the 2024-25 Showcase Committee Members, whose commitment ensures that the showcase remains culturally authentic and impactful. These members play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the performances, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and facilitating smooth transitions throughout the event.

The Committee Members for 2024-25 are:

  • Ms. Alexis Taeatafa
  • Ms. Autumn Aiono-Fuimaono
  • Mr. Joseph Vaa’ivaka
  • Mr. Larry Ursua
  • Ms. Mele Palu
  • Mr. Sosaia Sekeni

Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable in bringing this celebration to life. The Pacific Islander Student Association is truly grateful for their continued support.

The following Kumu have been integral to each section’s cultural choreography, guiding their respective groups with expertise and care:

  • Fiji: Napoleone Sekeni and Blessing Tuufaagatu
  • Hawai’i: Kamele Lung and Noah Alejado
  • New Zealand: Olaea Puefua and Eva Alcoran
  • Samoa: Blessing Tuufaagatu and Naomi Tau
  • Tahiti: Magdalene Timoteo and Harevaa Hatitio
  • Tonga: Falepaini Sekeni, Ana Siutoni, and Lester Bailey III

Tickets for the showcase can be purchased via Venmo @cedarcitypisa or at the door on the day of the event. Ticket pricing is as follows:

  • Students with ID: $7
  • Children under the age of 12: $5
  • General Admission: $10

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event!

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