A Sea of Upu
Poetry Workshop
By The Upu Collective
Facilitated by Shadon Meredith
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to poetry writing techniques and Moana centric philosophies. Participants are given the space to develop their poetic voice, connecting with the storyteller within and begin to re-indigenise their understanding of the Pacific.
The Upu Collective
Pacific makers creating pacific centered works.
We are a collective of Pacific performing artist based in New Zealand. Our 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.
Shadon Meredith is a dynamic New Zealand-born Sāmoan actor with a commanding presence on stage and screen. A Toi Whakaari graduate, he has built an impressive career performing locally and internationally. His theatre work includes King Lear and The Seagull (Auckland Theatre Company), UPU (Silo Theatre, toured to Mexico City and Montreal), and multiple productions with Red Leap Theatre, including the upcoming Wrest (May 2025). He also created and performed Waiting, an award-winning solo devised work under his company, SOS + SHA Creative. On screen, Shadon starred as Andy in Rūrangi (Season 2) and appeared in Shortland Street, My Life is Murder (Season 3), and Double Parked. He was also a presenter and writer for Seasons 1–3 of TVNZ’s Toi Time. His film credits include Shut Eye, Darkest Light, and The Paragon, which premiered at major international festivals before gaining a cult following after its U.S. release in 2024, earning recognition from The New York Times. Spanning theatre, television, and film, Shadon’s work continues to captivate audiences.
This workshop is free to attend thanks to Whangārei Fringe and the Aotearoa Fringe Festival's FATU Funding supported by the Pacific Arts Strategy Team.
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