The third Allan Alo Arts Festival to be hosted at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus next week will see the gathering of Pacific artists.
It will also be a catalyst for change, driving forward youth development through the power of performing arts.
The Allan Alo Arts Festival (AAAF) 2024 is a tribute to the late Seuli Tuilagi Allan Alo Va’ai, a visionary figure whose pioneering contributions have left a mark on the Pacific performing arts landscape.
The festival that started in 2021 serves as a testament to Allan Alo’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, mainly through his role as the founder and Artistic Director/Choreographer of the Ocean Dance Theatre at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture, and Pacific Studies in USP, Fiji, and later as the Outreach Director for Polynesian bases at USP’s Alafua campus in Samoa.
Festival Founder and USP’s Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture, and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) Consultant and Choreographer Glenville Lord said, “We decided to host the AAAF because we want to pay tribute and reflect where the late Allan Alo started his c
areer and worked for over a decade nurturing and developing Fijian artists. USP is proud host this event for the very first time in Fiji”.
This year’s AAA Festival is set to captivate audiences with a vibrant celebration of Pacific cultural heritage.
“We anticipate inviting our international and regional guest artists once again, as well as the students of the late Allan Alo in Fiji who have gone on to establish their own renowned dance companies,” added Lord.
The festival will also provide an excellent opportunity to invite local upcoming artists and performing arts companies to participate and learn from some of the best in Fiji and the Pacific.
He said, “The six-day extravaganza promises to unite communities through the universal language of art, showcasing the rich and diverse tapestry of Fiji and the Pacific Islands”.
As part of AAAF, free workshops will be conducted during the festival week to benefit Fijian youth, providing them with growth opportunities by learning from international, regional, and local artists who have achieved global success in the art scene.
Lord added that as the festival gained momentum, it attracted the attention of regional and international artists, further expanding its reach and influence.
“In 2022, Mata Dance Fiji and Samadhi Hawaii joined the lineup, adding their unique voices to the chorus of Pacific creativity.”
With the steadfast support of sponsors and partners, AAAF has established itself as an annual event, fostering networking opportunities and nurturing a supportive community for local artists.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the festival persevered, embracing its mission to promote cultural appreciation, celebrate resilience, and provide a platform for local artists to flourish while encouraging regional and international collaborations.
The 2024 Allan Alo Arts Festival is scheduled from 2-7 September at the USP Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji.
Tickets are also available for exclusive shows on September 6 and 7. This can be purchased via https://www.ticketmax.com.fj/Tickets/LandingPage?slug=MVMWS
