Lemi ponifasio biography of michael

Samoan artist

Salā Lemi Ponifasio is a Samoan theatre director, choreographer, and artist who works internationally. He is known for his radical approach to theatre, dance, art and activism, and for his collaboration with communities. He founded the performing arts company MAU.

Early life and education

Salā Lemi Ponifasio was born in Lano, Samoa. He moved to New Zealand when he was 15 years old.

Lemi Ponfasio - RNZ

While at high school in New Zealand he started to attend a series of workshops with the Maori Matua Tohunga master artist Irirangi Tiakiawa^[1] in Rotoiti. Ponifasio was then invited by Maori performing arts leader Tama Huata to work with him as part of his Maori cultural group Takitimu Trust, performing in communities throughout New Zealand and in reservations in Canada.^{[citation needed]}

Career

Ponifasio began his artistic career as an avant-garde experimental performer, staging his epic ten-year solo dance investigation Body in Cris Lemi Ponifasio | Pina Bausch Fellowship for Dance and ...