WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - ANAPELA POLATAIVAO

ANAPELA POLATAIVAO ONZM

DIRECTOR / ACTOR / PERFORMING ARTIST

SAMOAN
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Award-winning artist Anapela Polataivao, a celebrated and much-loved figure in the Pacific performing arts scene, recently received the ONZM honours, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

Best known for her vibrant roles in Fresh and Coconet TV productions such as one half of comedic duo 'Pani & Pani', Anapela has captivated audiences for decades with her performances and heartfelt storytelling.

Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Ana humbly admits to still coming to terms with its wider implications, expressing her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and alofa from her community. 

Anapela has continuously evolved, contributing significantly to the arts while inspiring a new generation of Pasifika artists. We talk to here here.

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How big a deal is getting this spotlight shone on you, as a Pasifika artist?

I've yet to come to terms with what these things really mean in the wider context. To be honest, I always get a bit of a jolt or a surprise reaction when recognised for the work.

I guess it's the last thing that's on my mind - it's never been a goal.  However, I'm deeply moved and appreciative of the flow of alofa and generous messages coming through. Thank you so much, everyone. 

How cool is it that our artists are celebrated in this way? These spaces have been traditionally dominated by papalagi people (still is to an extent) so yes, very cool to be celebrated by virtue of our creative work in this way.

How big and unusual was it when you started for Pasifika women to have a career in the arts?

It didn't feel unusual when I first started out. It was actually really exciting. We had stalwarts like Sima Urale, Rachel House & Nan Brunning as role models coming through drama School in the 90's... I'm old.

Tell us your personal highlight moments of what you have done over the years?

There’s been so much! What are some of your favorite projects? Personal highlights: becoming a mum to three fa'akiga ulu's (headaches), my formal training at NZ Drama School, the Kila Kokonut Krew movement, the PIPA movement: timestamps of evolving...and still evolving, learning.

I've loved all my projects - each one held a unique learning experience whether it be an approach to direct an actor I'm unfamiliar with, troubleshooting production issues, delivering work on the smell of an oily rag...those were the good old days of galvanised learning, no hand-outs, just figure it out. Best way to learn.

What are the areas you love working in - acting, directing, producing? What do you love about live theatre and film work?

I trained as an actor and naturally veered off into direction which is where I work now most of the time.

There is an expansion in the pool of actors, dancers, writers, producers, designers coming through and it's bloody exciting that beyond the acclamation of academics, the relevance and necessity of storyteling/theatre is just as pertinent....if not more.

What’s it like doing comedy with 'Pani & Pani' and more concentrated dramatic work like Night Shift and Tina? What do you love about both things as a performer?

Working with my uso [Goretti Chadwick] is always a joy. The belly shakes and laughs was unreal and untamed.

However, the drama queen in me seeks the world of psycho-analysis into what makes human beings tick and portraying their truth as best as one can.  

Tell us about your own productions - the Samoan opera piece, and the work with FCC (FLOW, CREATE, CONNECT)? What did you love about how these were perceived?

'Alofagia: Le Opera' was spurred on by my curiosity around sound ie our vocal sounds before the severing interruption of the missionaries. That was the original point of departure.

My work with FCC, Victor Rodger's (ONZM) company, began with Tusiata Avia's (MNZM) 'Wild Dogs Under My Skirt' and since 2016 has gone from strength to strength.

We recently toured to Australia with Wild Dogs and later this year Avia's Savage Coloniser will grace Seoul, South Korea.

What’s next? Are there areas you want to move into more of all the many things you do?

There's always stuff to do - and then there's my parents who are getting older. They're the reason all this has happened to me. They've been the constant rock in my children's life and in mine. Areas to move into...maybe gardening? I'm trying to get into pottery classes up the road too. #FreePalestine 

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This interview has been edited for clarity.
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