Performance

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

Thu 23 Jan, Sat 25 Jan, Sat 8 Feb, Sat 22 Feb, Sat 22 Mar and Sat 5 Apr 2025
Artspace

Above: Latai Taumoepeau, THIS IS NOT A DRILL, 2024. Durational performance part of the exhibition Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania, Ocean Space, Venice. Co-commissioned by TBA21–Academy and Artspace, and produced in partnership with OGR Torino. Photo: Nicolò Miana
Dates and locations
Thu 23 Jan 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Artspace
43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Sydney Australia
Sat 25 Jan 2025, 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Artspace
43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Sydney Australia
Sat 8 Feb 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Artspace
43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Sydney Australia
Sat 22 Feb 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Artspace
43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Sydney Australia
Sat 22 Mar 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Artspace
43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Sydney Australia
Sat 5 Apr 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Artspace
43–51 Cowper Wharf Roadway
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Sydney Australia
Details

No registration required

On selected dates throughout the run of Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania, Latai Taumoepeau’s installation will be activated through the participatory performance THIS IS NOT A DRILL, 2024.

Following a choreographed score, Taumoepeau will lead groups of sports players, dancers and community members through a contemporary rendition of the Tongan ceremonial ritual of Me’etu’upaki (me’e translates as ‘dance’, tu’u means ‘standing’, and paki, 'with paddles’). Conceived as an emergency drill, this performance is an embodied call to action against the threats of climate change and deep sea mining in the Pacific.

Each drill runs for approximately 15 minutes. Visitors are welcome to watch the performance group rehearse in the gallery space.

We encourage you to visit Artspace in groups of six or more to activate Taumoepeau’s installation and hear the Me’etu’upaki at full volume.

Artists
Latai Taumoepeau Dance Studio 101
Salty Queer Flotilla

Associated exhibition

Related Public Programs

Program

Restor(y)ing Oceania Opening Celebration

Thu 23 Jan and Sat 25 Jan 2025
Artspace

Reading Group

Reading Oceania

Sat 8 Feb and Sat 22 Feb 2025
Artspace