Fuaao Tutulu Faith Schuster has experienced first-hand the alienation and temptation that comes with moving from Samoa to New Zealand. Now part of Neil Ieremia’s acclaimed Black Grace, the dancer shares her thoughts about Paradise Rumour, which the company brings to the Isaac Theatre Royal on 17 March.

This work must have special resonance for you? Yes, totally. It has a special place in my heart. I’m a seed of the migrant dream. I was born and raised in Samoa, in Satuiatua village on the south coast of the island of Savai’i. When I came here, everything was new – the cold, the buildings… it’s the land of temptation as well. There is freedom of choice, freedom of speech, and you’re not bound by the traditions of home.

What has been your experience of the issues it raises? I have some experience but not as deep as others. I have experienced the culture shift, coming from somewhere disciplined and strict. We do get to explore a lot more here but there’s got to be a foundation and that comes from tradition. We’re not looking to resolve anything with Paradise Rumour. It’s about exploring rather than finding an answer.

What do you hope the audience will get out of it? I hope it will open up people’s minds to the beliefs and questions we all have as people, as New Zealanders and as Pasifika as well. The question posed by Paradise Rumour is how far have we come, and that means also how far have you and I come. Am I better or worse? So it’s something other than a pretty dance. It really is our story, as human beings.

How did you get involved in dance? In Samoa it’s hard not to get involved in Siva [traditional dance] – that’s where my dance journey started. I have a family in Auckland that is heavily involved in the performing arts scene. Hip-hop was my way into that. After high school I continued my dance studies at Unitec in Auckland.

You’ve been on quite a trajectory with Black Grace, how has that been? I’m very lucky to find myself here, working with Neil and the other dancers, really blessed. It’s been an amazing opportunity and I’m really excited to be going on tour and bringing Paradise Rumour to Christchurch audiences.

How is working with Neil? Inspiring, especially as a young Pasifika person aspiring to be an artist. Just being in his presence – he’s a great mentor. It’s not just the dance but life and dance intertwined. At first it was overwhelming but now I just want to be a sponge. Neil has paved the way. We must see our trailblazers and acknowledge them.

What’s in store for rest of 2024? It’s looking like being a busy year. We are repeating our Company B project, where semi-professional dancers get to work alongside the company. We did it for the first time last year and one of the dancers from that, Ben Saveasoi, is joining Black Grace as an understudy on our US tour.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Similar to Neil’s, that I can offer opportunities to people like me, from the Islands, to help create works and take them on tour, performing them for our own people here in Aotearoa.

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