Hikule'o is a dance piece in two parts, named after the powerful Tongan Ancient Goddess Hikule’o, to display her strength, her beauty and to bring forward the richness of her story from ancient knowledge to new explorations. Her energy has been recorded as both female and male. She was also responsible for harvesting and fertility, and had supreme power over her brothers’ children.

An abstract of this work was performed at the Australian Museum, Wan Sol Moana in June, 2022. The work Hikule'o weaves together ancient and modern Tongan sound with traditional contemporary movements. The work Hikule'o at the same time addresses issues of colonisation, its impact on culture, climate, social teachings and behaviour. Hikule'o as a work promotes self determination and identity.

Part One opens with a village in chaos as a result of an eruption and when this settles, we are taken back to when Hikule’o created the land, ocean and people. We are also witnessing her inspection of harvests, land and people

In Part Two we see the coming of change and the rejection of Hikule’o but also of ancestral knowledge, the disrespect for the ocean and the environment.

Tautahi was founded in Sydney, Australia and aimed at telling stories of ancient Gods and Goddesses through music, poetry and movement. Tautahi’s artistic director, Sisi’uno Helu has been a choreographer and musician for almost 30 years and has toured internationally. The group brings together versatile dancers, poets and musicians of First Nations, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and European heritage.

Artistic Director: Sisi’uno Helu
Choreography: Sisi’uno Helu and Daniel Mateo
Music: Sisi’uno Helu and Daniel Mateo
Costume: Virginia Helu

Cast
Sisi’uno Helu
Tamia Mahe
Ema Palmer
Cia Müller
Molonai Makalio
Siale Wairasi

Part of Kia Mau Festival