Large-scale theatre has returned to The University of the South Pacific, with SINA taking audiences on a contemporary journey through one of the Pacific’s most beloved legends.

Held at USP’s Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies, the production brings together dance, music, storytelling and visual artistry to retell the story of Sina and the Eel while celebrating Pacific identity and culture.

At the centre of the production are two young performers, 18-year-old Lia Daunakamakama, who plays Sina, and Laisenia Qarase, who takes on the role of the eel.

For both, being given the opportunity to take on the lead roles has been a deeply meaningful experience.

Daunakamakama says performing as Sina and completing the production in front of a larger audience is something she will never forget.

Qarase shares the same excitement, describing the opportunity to be part of a production featuring some of Fiji’s unique artistic talents as a special privilege.

The two young performers say being part of SINAhas also shown them the power of the arts as a form of expression.

They hope audiences enjoy the production and that their performance may inspire more young people to explore the arts and discover their own creative talents.

The production features the renowned Oceania Dance Theatre and Pasifika Voices, alongside the debut of the Oceania Dance Academy.

Its visual identity is inspired by Hina, an original artwork by artist Atueta Rabuka, which offers a fresh interpretation of the timeless legend and serves as the creative inspiration for the production.

The original artwork is also being auctioned, with the successful bidder announced during the opening night performance.