Nesian Pride

Nesian Pride reflected the supportive network of artists and performers based in the Top End of Australia in Darwin. Having worked with the majority of Darwin’s community groups as part of various festivals and ensemble shows, Sunameke built a strong relationship base and in the case of Nesian Pride 2012 and 2013, were able to call on such contacts in formulating the biggest and most diverse line up in the production’s history.

Nesian Pride was a night of sharing of cultural learnings, pride and unity told through dance and music, myths and legends, and song. It featured performers, dancers, musicians and artists from various Pasifika communities in Darwin. Flyers circulated, word spread and the public invitation was released for people to come along to Nesian Pride, as groups from the following cultural performance groups came together in conjunction with Sunameke to express their cultural pride and celebrate the relationships between them all through stories of dance and live music:

Papua New Guinea | Tonga | Samoa| Tahiti | Fiji | Kiribati | New Zealand

In 2012, the event was supported by special guests;

Leah Flanagan

One Mob Different Country

The Chung Wah Society Lion Dance Troupe

Will Hatch

African community dancers

Darwin Dragons Rugby Union Club

Students from Darwin High School, Essington School & Darwin Ballet School

With special supporting guests from the NRL; Nigel Vagana, Roy Asotasi and Clinton Toopi.

The 2013 event had guest performers that conducted workshops with the community that culminated in performance;

Seini Taumoepeau - Vocalist and Performance Artist.

Maryjane Schwenke - Dancer, Choreographer and Director of Matavai Cultural Arts

Maryann Talia Pau - Pasifika Weaver and Visual Artist

The Chung Wah Society Lion Dance Troupe

The Darwin based Drum Drum members

With special supporting guests from the NRL; Dean Widders and David Mead.