Le Moana — 1918

Winners of the ‘critics choice’ and ‘top box office’ awards at the San Diego International Fringe Festival 2016, Le Moana from Wellington, New Zealand return to the United States with their dance theatre production 1918. Inspired by the memories of the writer’s beloved grandmother, Avea’i Fui, and the research of Dr. John McLane, 1918 is a response to the devastating influenza pandemic of 1918 that swept across the globe but had its worst effects in the then New Zealand colony of Western Sāmoa. This devastating disease travelled from New Zealand to Sāmoa on the passenger and cargo ship, SS Talune, claiming the lives of almost a quarter of the population. 2018 marks the 100 year anniversary since this tragic and pivotal event that became a catalyst for resistance against the New Zealand colonial government which eventually led to Sāmoa’s independence.