The Cultch and Full Circle: First Nations Performance present
UPU
FEB 17–21, 2026
YORK THEATRE
A journey through the heartbeat of Pacific poetry.
“It swept the audience up in wave after wave after wave of passion, emotion, of storytelling at its finest that pulled at the soul.”
—NZ Herald
25/26 CULTCH PRESENTATION
WARRIOR FESTIVAL
Canadian Premiere
Upu Collective (Aotearoa/New Zealand)
Opening Night
TUE, FEB 17 | 7:30PM
Evening Shows
TUE–SAT | 7:30PM
Matinee
SAT, FEB 21 | 2:00PM
Talkback
WED, FEB 18 | 7:30PM
60 minutes, no intermission
Recommended for ages 15+
Phone:604-251-1363
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Saturday: 12–4pm
Sunday: Closed
YORK THEATRE
639 Commercial Dr,
Vancouver, BC
Photo credit: UPU, Silo Theatre 2020, Andi Crown Photography
About the show
Be immersed in the heart of the Pacific Ocean with UPU, a dynamic and electrifying theatre experience that brings the ocean’s rich voices to life.
Curated by award-winning poet Grace Iwashita-Taylor and led by powerhouse director Fasitua Amosa, this acclaimed theatrical work consists of the upu (meaning ‘words’) from 23 poets, including young activists, Poet Laureates and literary prize winners.
Spanning five decades and over a dozen cultures across Te Moana nui a Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean), the poems share the myriad of stories and perspectives of people connected by the largest body of water on earth. UPU is performed in English by six of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated actors, who masterfully create a snapshot of experiences as broad and deep as the Pacific Ocean.
Enhanced by evocative lights, projections, and a multi-layered soundscape, UPU is a celebration of the Pacific, its people, and their stories.
FREE WORKSHOP
A Sea of Upu — Poetry Workshop
Friday 20th February, 2026
11am—1:30pm
Jim Greenhouse Studio, 1885 Venables Street, Vancouver
Two of UPU’s collaborators, Miriama McDowell and Shadon Meredith, will be hosting a FREE workshop on poetry writing techniques and Moana-centric philosophies. In this workshop, you’ll be given the space to develop your poetic voice to connect with the storyteller within.
If you want to learn some new approaches to poetry-writing, whether you are a seasoned writer or new to poetry, this workshop invites you to discover and celebrate your voice.
Email [email protected] to register
Supported by
Proud Partner of Indigenous Programming
Warrior Festival Support
With the support of
Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Community Partners
The Draw
SHOW CREDITS
Created and performed by UPU Collective (Aotearoa/New Zealand)
Artistic Director & Co-Creator:
Fasitua Amosa
Curator & Co-Creator:
Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Producer:
Ana Corbett
Production Manager & Sound Engineer:
Emily Hakaraia
Lighting & Projection Design & Technical Operator:
Rowan Pierce
Soundscape Design & Original Composition:
Faiumu Matthew Salapu
Set Design:
Michael McCabe
Costume Design:
Kristin Seth
Artist & Cultural Design Elements (Mamanu Design):
Tyla Vaeau
Movement & Choreography:
Joash Fahitua
Stage Manager:
Eliza Josephson-Rutter
Cast:
Fasitua Amosa Ana Corbett Nicola Kāwana Miriama McDowell Shadon Meredith Jarod Rāwiri
UPU features the work of the following poets:
Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Craig Santos Perez, Sia Figiel, Briar Grace-Smith, Daren Kamali, Karlo Mila, Grace Mera Molisa, Noʻu Revilla, Celestine Kulagoe, John Pule, Tafea Polamalu, Leilani Tamu, Apirana Taylor, Teresia Teaiwa, Hone Tuwhare, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Konai Helu Thaman, Albert Leomala, Maualaivao Albert Wendt and Lyz Soto.
Reviews
TRAILER
AUDIENCE REACTS TO UPU
TICKET PRICES
Section A+:
$69
Section A:
$64
Section B:
$54
Section C:
$44
Ways to Save
Save 20% when you buy tickets to more than one Warrior Festival show!*
See the 2026 lineup
*This discount is automatically applied when you add more than one show in the Warrior Festival to your cart. Valid for Sections A+, A, B and General seats.
General Admission $35 + Happy Hour Pricing at the bar!
TUE, FEB 17 | 7:30PM
Use promo code BYOBC when booking 4 or more A+ or A tickets and get 20% off!
If you want to know more about booking groups, please contact our Box Office for details: 604-251-1363 or [email protected]
- Login to your Cultch account or create one
- Select your show date and time
- Choose Section A, B or C seats
- Enter INDIGENOUS in the promo code box and click Apply
The Cultch Connects Program provides complimentary tickets to community organizations and social service groups. It also offers complimentary tickets to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to attending Cultch performances. To request Cultch Connects tickets, please email [email protected]
This program is made possible with the support of our generous donor community. Learn more about what your donation can do for our community.
