Erolia Ifopo

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

Erolia Ifopo is a New Zealand-based artist and one of the founding members of Pacific Underground,[1] a performing arts collective that celebrates the heritage of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. Ifopo is a multidisciplinary artist who specializes in music, theatre, and dance. She has been involved in numerous projects and performances that explore Pacific Island culture, identity, and social issues. As an actor, writer, producer and director of Samoan descent, living in New Zealand her contributions to the arts and Pacific communities in New Zealand have been significant and impactful.

Biography[edit]

Erolia Ifopo has also been involved with many Pacific theatre companies, including Pacific Underground and Fresh Ink.[2] [1] In 2011, she was awarded the Awards in Oral History for her work with the Samoan community in the Christchurch earthquakes. Some of her notable works include the play "Fresh Off The Boat" and "Romeo and Tusi" by co-written by Oscar Kightley and Erolia Ifopo.[3] She has also performed in various theatre productions, including "Horizons".

Television and Shorts[edit]

Year Series Role Notes Ref
1992-1998 Shortland Street Actor Television series [citation needed]
1998 The Semisis Writer Sketch Show [4]
2001 Aroha - Haka & Siva Actor TV Mini-series [5]

Theatre[edit]

Selected list of theatre activity

Year Play Role Notes Ref
1996 Tatau: Rites of Passage Actor/Writer Aotea Centre, Auckland [6]
1992 Horizons Actor Performing Arts Centre, Christchurch
1997 Dawn Raids Actor Herald Theatre, Auckland [7]
1997-2000 Romeo & Tusi Writer Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch [3]
1998 Frangipani Perfume Director Wellington
1993 Fresh off the boat Actor Free Theatre, Christchurch [8]
1993 Gifted and Fresh Actor
2001 The Native Chef Actor/Writer Masi Cafe, Wellington Fringe Festival [9] [10]
2001 Butter Loving Director [11]
2019 Scholars Director [2]

References List[edit]

  1. ^ a b Witness, Eye (15 March 2018). "How hard can it be?". RNZ.
  2. ^ a b "FRESH INK Tomorrow's plays today". Court Theatre. 30 June 2019.
  3. ^ a b ""Romeo and Tusi" by Oscar Kightley and Erolia Ifopo". University of Waikato.
  4. ^ Stevenson, Karen (2008). The Frangipani is Dead: Contemporary Pacific Art in New Zealand, 1985-2000. Huia Publishers. p. 204. ISBN 978-1-86969-325-1.
  5. ^ "Aroha Series - Haka & Siva". NZ Onscreen. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  6. ^ "Playwrights: Erolia Ifopo". The Playwright's Database.
  7. ^ "Dawn Raids EduPack" (PDF). Auckland Theatre Company.
  8. ^ Small, Simon (17 November 2018). "25 years ago was opening night of "Fresh Off the Boat"". LinkedIn.
  9. ^ "Journeys through the Pacific". NZ Herald. 2001.
  10. ^ "The Native Chef". Nga Taonga. 2001.
  11. ^ "Young & Hungry 2001 At Bats Theatre". Scoop. 14 June 2001.