Allan Alo Arts Festival Commences
Mata Dance Fiji Performing their item at the press conference
Photo: Eyespy Radio
The Samoa Performing Arts and Creative Excellence crew (S.P.A.C.E) together with artists from Mata Dance Fiji, Vaiala Youth Choir, and their partners are ready to perform and showcase their talents at this year's second Allan Alo Festival.
One of the Directors for S.P.A.C.E, Glenville Lord stated during a press conference with the Media on Tuesday at the Vodafone Headquarters in Maluafou that this year's event is expected to overshadow last year's festival.
"Last year was our first attempt at staging the Allan Alo Arts Festival which I believe was a successful one. But this year's festival is bigger and has been filled with challenges, but what is life without ups and downs?"
"Setting up for this year's festival has been stressful and difficult for the creative team, for the artists, and everyone involved. However that did not deter our determination to put on a show that is worthy of the support of the sponsors that we have on board. So definitely this year will be bigger and better in terms of performance and quality, as well as the addition of international and local performers," he said.
S.P.A.C.E patron Fatima Lam conveyed during her keynote address that this year's festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity in Samoa through dance and music, highlighting cultural brilliance as a tribute to Samoa's ethnic diversity during our 60th Independence celebrations.
"This year we've been fortunate to partner up with international guest artists Mata Dance Fiji, Samadhi Hawaii, and Vaiala Youth Choir. We have also been blessed with the tremendous support of our sponsors and affiliates, for without them this year's festival would not have been possible," she said.
Members of S.P.A.C.E, Vodafone Samoa, Mata Dance Fiji, and Samadhi Hawaii with Miss Samoa.
Photo: Eyespy Radio
She also added that S.P.A.C.E envisages that the Alan Alo Arts Festival will promote the importance of the arts as a means of physical, mental, and spiritual development for our youth. Celebrate culture, heritage, and the tenacity of the Pacific Islands to continue with life despite the pandemic, and to create an annual event that will enable regional creativity.
The press conference concluded with performances by Mata Dance Fiji and S.P.A.C.E. performers.
A member of Mata Dance Fiji, Norman Ravai stated in an interview with Eyespy Radio that he is very excited to be performing at the festival this year.
"I'm both pretty excited and a little overwhelmed, but I'm still super grateful to be here with the team from S.P.A.C.E and Samadhi Hawaii, and also getting to collaborate with talented local artists and international artists as well," he said.
Choir Director of the Vaiala Youth Choir, Tuaovaigafa Edward also conveyed that they are also excited about the show, and cannot wait to pay homage to the late Seiuli Alan Alo who was instrumental in teaching the youth of their village about the arts and choreography.
The three-day festival will commence on Thursday and end on Saturday. The first day of the show has been themed "Bollywood" which will be at Gym-1 Faleata, then on Friday the theme is Pollywood and will also be held at Gym-1 Faleata, with the final show dubbed as "Hollywood" to be held at Taumeasina Island Resort on Saturday.
S.P.A.C.E also thanked and acknowledged the support of sponsors Vodafone Samoa, Eyespy Radio 87.5, TV3, and their other sponsors for making this year's Alan Alo Arts Festival possible.