Etena emerges as a testament to Ta'alili's resilience amidst adversity, premiering a collection of six short films, sculptures, original musical compositions, and writings. This multifaceted work envisions a return to paradise, weaving memories and movements amidst the tapestry of nature's elements. In response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, Etena serves as Ta'alili's creative response, traversing themes of memory, language, loss, and humanity's interconnectedness with the natural world. Each piece within Etena serves as a building block for Ta'alili's future endeavors, reflecting upon the profound introspections born from collective experiences and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression amidst uncertainty.
Photographer: Jinki Cambronero
ETENA
by Ta’alili and Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
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Artist: Elijah Kennar.
Written by: Elijah Kennar and Aloalii Tapu.
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by: Canaan Ene.
Sound recording: by David Green.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Composer: Eden Mulholland.
Costume and set by: Tori Manley-Tapu.
Hair and make-up by: Elizabeth Laupepa
and Alisi Akauola.
Production assistants: Adam Naughton,
William Rakena and Suivaaia Pritchard.
Directed by Aloalii Tapu.
July 2020, film 1
Alone Together
Artist: Ooshcon Masseurs.
Extra performers: Tui Tekotia, Kimi Tekotia, Tiana Ashby-Gibson, Brooklyn Sofara, Zondervan Sofara, Tobias Sofara and Rylee Tapu.
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by: Canaan Ene.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Composer: Eden Mulholland.
Costume: Aloalii Tapu.
Hair by: Jahra Wasasala.
Make-up by: Elizabeth Laupepa.
Production assistants: Liz Manley, Adam Naughton, William Rakena, Alisi Akauola and Deitrah Chang. Directed by: Aloalii Tapu.
July 2020, film 2
Faces of Nature
Artist: Jahra Wasasala.
Poetry written by: Jahra Wasasala.
Voice of: Temara Isara.
Translated by: Folasaitu Meki Tapu
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by: Canaan Ene.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Music: Untitled, Martin Janíček & Petr Ferenc
Set by: Tori Manley-Tapu and John Verryt.
Make-up by: Elizabeth Laupepa.
July 2020, film 3
Body of Mouths
Artist: Tupua Tigafua.
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by Canaan Ene.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Music “Little Boxes” by Melvina Reynolds.
Directed by: Aloalii Tapu.
July 2020, film 4
14 Malone Road
Artist: Faith Schuster.
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by: Canaan Ene.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Composer: Eden Mulholland.
Costume and set by: Tori Manley-Tapu.
Hair and make-up by: Elizabeth Laupepa
and Alisi Akauola.
Production assistants: Adam Naughton, William Rakena.
Directed by Aloalii Tapu.
July 2020, film 5
Dark Valley
Wax sculpture by: Tori Manley-Tapu and John Verryt.
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by: Canaan Ene.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Composer: Eden Mulholland.
Production assistants: Adam Naughton
and William Rakena.
Directed by: Aloalii Tapu.
Dark Valley Two
July 2020, film 6
Wall text. Red
Aloalii Tapu.
January 2021
ETENA
Artist: Ken Vaega.
Filmed by: Samson Rambo and Canaan Ene.
Edited by: Canaan Ene.
Lighting by: Jo Kilgour.
Technician: Abby Clearwater.
Composer: Eden Mulholland.
Costume and set by: Tori Manley-Tapu.
Hair and make-up by: Elizabeth Laupepa and Alisi Akauola.
Production assistants: Adam Naughton, William Rakena and Suivaaia Pritchard.
Directed by Aloalii Tapu.