Etena Fest

Ta’alili’s kaupapa is rooted in creating opportunities for artists and communities to grow beyond conventional funding and support systems. Over 1.5 months, our local village of Titirangi—surrounded by the moana and the Waitākere Ranges—became a vital space for our artists and collaborators to continue creating, developing, and presenting work through challenging seasons.

In partnership with The Upstairs Gallery and Lopdell House, we activated Titirangi over six weekends from late October to early December 2024. Utilizing Lopdell House’s Rooftop, Seminar Room, and Titirangi Theatre, we presented dance and theatre performances, community workshops, and movement sessions. Additionally, the Titirangi War Memorial Hall hosted Lofty Lab, our directors’ movement workshop, and The Village Open-Style Battle, further deepening our engagement with artists and audiences alike.

Rooftop Solos featured the artists and their friends: Jared Hemopo ft. Aloali’i Tapu, Ken Vaega, Claire O’neil, Seidah Tuaoi ft. Ennaolla Paea-Vaega, Devonte Tama’ali’i, Aahana Mohan, Tori Manley-Tapu & Rose Philpott and Joshua & Tyler Carney-Faleatua at Lopdell House Rooftop

Lofty Lab facilitated by Aloali’i & Tori Manley-Tapu at Titirangi War Memorial Hall

The Gathering – Raranga Kete Workshop with Te’okotai (Ta’i) Patai and Social Sewing with Hannah Emson at Lopdell House Seminar Room

The Village Open-Style Battle by Ta’alili ft. guest judges, Seidah (Slim Seidy) Tuaoi, Sheldon ($cent) Rua and John (Happyfeet) Vaifale, DJ BOJO and guest battler William (DONBUCK) Rakena with MC Li’i at Titirangi War Memorial Hall

Tides of Memory performed by Villa Lemanu and directed by Aloali’i Tapu at Titirangi Theatre

Photography Credits: Jinki Cambronero, Rich Parsonson and Tatiana Harper