AIGA: A disability-led show about the life of Lusi Faiva

Award-winning disabled performing artist Lusi Faiva brings her profound dreams and reflections to life on stage in the world premiere of AIGA in Tāmaki Makaurau next month.

Presented by Aotearoa New Zealand's leading disability arts organisation Touch Compass, AIGA delves into themes of identity, family, and longing, weaving through Lusi's captivating life journey with music, movement, and dramedy.

A proud tama'ita'i Samoa with European heritage, audiences will follow Lusi's upbringing in 1960s Samoa to her present-day warrior spirit.

The show is a collaborative effort, drawing from Lusi's life and the experiences of co-collaborators and performers, representing diverse identities including Iana Grace Pauga, Forest V Kapo (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Raukawa) and Alex Medland (Kai Tahu) with support writer and performer Fiona Collins.

Lusi Faiva with AIGA costume designer and fashion exponent Lindah Lepou. Photo/Supplied/Jinki Cambronero

Led by an exceptionally creative team such as fashion designer Lindah Lepou, performance designer Rowan Pierce, lighting extraordinaire Isadora Lao and production icon Rīhare Te Are, the essence of AIGA lies in its powerful storytelling.

All shows are accessible and the spatial design of the performance means priority seating goes to wheelchair, low vision or blind, d/Deaf or hard of hearing. NZSL and Audio Description have also been seeded in the work.

Needs accessible theatre show AIGA is showing at the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival March 20-24. Photo/Supplied/Jinki Cambronero

Funded by Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival and three years in the making, AIGA fulfils Faiva’s aspiration of becoming an actress. The show is expected to demand attention of viewers through evoking laughter, tears, and introspection.

Faiva's remarkable 30-year career includes becoming a founding member of Touch Compass. A company where Faiva and her team create meaningful art through honouring the principles of *crip time and *crip s p a c e.

*These terms are sometimes used within disabled communities to factor in individual and unique perspectives of time and proximity awareness as well as infrastructure and mobility needs.

Beyond the stage, Lusi's dedication extends to community dance classes and representing Touch Compass internationally, earning her multiple accolades, showcasing her passion and artistic brilliance.

AIGA is on show at Te Pou Theatre from March 20-24 as part of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.

For any queries about accessibility, please feel free to call Te Pou on 020 4162 2659.