Three performances only – from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Native Earth Performing Arts presents UPU by New Zealand’s UPU Collective. With powerful poetry, compelling storytelling and unforgettable performances, UPU brings the Pacific Ocean’s rich voices to life – exploring cultural struggle, joy and identity across the islands. Presented at Aki Studio.
A rich tapestry of stories, experiences & perspectives
Following its sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House, UPU visits eight Canadian cities in February and March 2026.
UPU, which means “word” in many different languages of the Pacific Islands, is a collection of voices of people who live on Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). Through the words of 23 poets, ranging from emerging voices to acclaimed literary figures, UPU weaves a rich tapestry of stories, experiences and perspectives from First Nations peoples of the islands, enhanced by evocative lighting, projections and a multi-layered soundscape.
Pure magic on stage for an unforgettable experience
These poems reflect on cultural identity, history and the challenges faced by Pacific communities – from Hawaiians debating Captain Cook’s legacy, to the joys of SPAM in Guam and other Americanized islands, to the Marshall Islands’ struggle against rising seas.
Poetry is powerful on the page – but on stage, it’s pure magic. The show’s energy comes alive through a cast of extraordinary Pacific performers, each with a rich background in theatre, film and television, whose passionate delivery of these words will transport audiences across the ocean.
Created by UPU Artistic Director Fasitua Amosa and Curator Grace Iwashita-Taylor, UPU stars Fasitua Amosa, Ana Corbett, Nicola Kāwana, Miriama McDowell, Shadon Meredith and Jarod Rāwiri. The performance features published works from poets, young voices, international activists, top literary prize winners and poet laureates, including Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Craig Santos Perez, Sia Figiel, Briar Grace-Smith, Daren Kamali, Karlo Mila, Grace Mera Molisa, Noʻ u 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.
UPU is an intimate and unforgettable experience – a celebration of the Pacific, its people and their stories. All poems are performed in English. Presented with the support of Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa.
About Native Earth Performing Arts
Native Earth Performing Arts is Canada’s oldest professional Indigenous theatre company. Currently in its 43rd year, Native Earth is dedicated to nurturing Indigenous storytelling. They develop, produce and present Indigenous art. They champion talent. According to the Seven Sacred Teachings, they do what they do and fulfill their purpose with truth, wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty and humility.
About UPU Collective
UPU is a collective of Pacific performing artists based in New Zealand. Their mission is to create more opportunities for Pacific performing artists by making contemporary, Pacific-centred works for the stage and screen. UPU Collective artists are not only dedicated collaborators, but also accomplished professionals in their own right. Each member boasts a wealth of experience across the stage and screen landscape of New Zealand. Following its sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House, their show UPU is on tour now, having been to Mexico and Montréal in 2024. UPU will visit eight Canadian cities in February and March 2026.
(Photo credits: Native Earth Performing Arts | UPU Collective. UPU at Sydney Opera House. Photo by Daniel Boud. This image also appears on the Events page.)
Event details
Presented by: Native Earth Performing Arts – an UPU Collective production
Type of event: multimedia theatre & poetry performance
Created by: Fasitua Amosa & Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Performed by: Fasitua Amosa, Ana Corbett, Nicola Kāwana, Miriama McDowell, Shadon Meredith & Jarod Rāwiri
Featuring poetry by: Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Craig Santos Perez, Sia Figiel, Briar Grace-Smith, Daren Kamali, Karlo Mila, Grace Mera Molisa, Noʻ u 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 & Lyz Soto
Dates & times:
- Friday, February 27 @ 7:30 PM ET – post-show Q&A
- Saturday, February 28 @ 7:30 PM ET – post-show Q&A
- Sunday, March 1 @ 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 60 minutes (no intermission)
Cost: Sliding scale: C$20.00, $40.00 & $65.00. For Indigenous Group rates, email boxoffice@nativeearth.ca.
Location: Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. East, #120, Toronto, ON, M5A 2B7
Trailer: Watch the trailer
Booking link: Book your tickets here.
Contact details: Native Earth Performing Arts, Aki Studio, Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. East, #120, Toronto, ON, M5A 2B7, Canada; Box office: (416) 531-1402, boxoffice@nativeearth.ca, nativeearth.ca
Content warning: Recommended for ages 15+. Performances will contain strobe lighting, strong language and adult themes. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Accessibility: Accessibility features at Aki Studio include wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating areas, assistive listening devices, accessible washrooms, service animal accommodations, sensory-friendly adjustments, staff assistance and online booking support for accessibility requests, detailed guidance and promoting an inclusive, barrier-free environment. Info here.