The Fijian Flying Circus, based in Nadi, is set to make its mark on the international stage with its upcoming inaugural tour to French Polynesia. This tour signifies a major milestone for Fijian performing arts, as it follows the circus’s successful debut as Fiji’s first circus last year.
Over the next three months, the Fijian Flying Circus will showcase its unique performances under a 600-seat big top, capturing the vibrant artistry of Fiji. Navitalai Waqavotuwale, the artistic director of VOU, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “This is an incredible chance to display Fiji’s vibrant culture globally.” He emphasized that the tour could support job creation within the performing arts sector for Fijian youth, suggesting the potential for Fijian entertainment to develop into a significant cultural export that bolsters the economy and enriches the country’s cultural landscape.
The cast for this ambitious tour consists of 32 talented performers, all ready to share the vivacious energy and spirit of Fiji with an international audience. Sachiko Soro, the founder of VOU Dance, highlighted that funding from the ACP-EU Culture Fund, facilitated by the South Pacific Commission (SPC), has made this tour feasible. She remarked, “As the Fijian Flying Circus takes flight beyond Fiji’s shores, this initiative underscores the potential of Fijian artists to compete in the global performing arts arena.”
This exciting tour aligns with other recent cultural initiatives in Fiji. For example, VOU has been active in promoting local talent through annual youth talent searches, despite facing challenges in recruitment due to cultural expectations, particularly for women. The organization has emphasized the importance of addressing these barriers to enhance participation in the performing arts.
This forward-thinking approach not only aims to elevate the profile of Fijian arts but also presents exciting prospects for local economic growth through cultural tourism.
Overall, the journey of the Fijian Flying Circus represents a hopeful advance for both the arts scene and the economy, with the potential to inspire future generations of Fijian artists and entertainers to gain international recognition.
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