After four years, Penisimani “Tuti” Taumoepeau says he considers dancing at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Hā: Breath of Life” show more than just a job. “It is a part of my culture. It teaches me who I am, what I can become, and what I can give to others.”
Taumoepeau described his experience while training for the lead role of Mana in “Hā: Breath of Life,” as emotional. He said the role helps him feel connected with his late father, Viliami ‘Unga Afuha’amango Taumoepeau, who was also a performer.
“I’ve been watching my dad perform my whole life, and dancing reminds me of him and how I was taught. Sometimes I feel like my dad is there watching me,” said Taumoepeau.
In his first audition in 2016, Taumoepeau immediately stood out from the rest of the group, said David Tiave, the senior manager of the theater department at the Center.
“He stood out at the IWORK auditions. His motions were clean. When I found out what his last name was, I wasn’t surprised. He comes from a very talented family in the Tongan culture.”
As the youngest son of Viliami Taumoepeau, Taumoepeau said his love for performing and his passion for dance started at a young age. Growing up in Tonga, Taumoepeau’s father was the appointed musician and choreographer for the royal performing troupe.
“For each national event requiring community performances before the royal family, my father was designated to teach the townspeople their grand performances for these occasions.”
One of these occasions was the 80th birthday celebration of the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV he explained.
In addition, Taumoepeau said his father was given the chiefly title “Mohulamu.” As chief, his responsibility was to teach communities a variety of performances for occasions including the Prince’s birthdays, village events, reunions, and the dedications of new chapels. Viliami Taumoepeau also served as managing director of the Tonga National Center.
“My father was instrumental in promoting the teachings of traditional performances throughout the kingdom. All of these responsibilities [gave] my father countless opportunities not just to practice and sharpen his artistic skills, but also to instill a similar passion for dancing and performing arts in all of us, his children.”
As Taumoepeau grew older, he said his love for dance became his passion. Aside from the traditional Tongan dances he learned from his father, Taumoepeau said he became interested in hip hop and eventually joined a group that competed in local competitions.
“To me, dancing is a way I can escape from being lonely. If there is a time I don’t have anything to do, if I feel bored or lonely, I just go dance and let it out. I feel like myself when I dance.”
Taumoepeau’s wife, Pandora Aiulu Taumoepeau said, “When he went on to be Mana I was happy to see him progressing and learning new things.”
As the Center dealt with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Taumoepeau was asked to stand in as Mana during practices when his performance caught the attention of the senior director, Ray Magalei.
Tiave said, “When [Ray Magalei] noticed [Taumoepeau] and pulled him from the line to stand in place for Mana, there was no doubt in my mind that he could do it. If anything, he has heart. He has the heart of Mana, which is carrying the entire show at the moment.”
Tiave went on to praise Taumoepeau’s unique drive and passion for his responsibilities as a dancer at “Hā: Breath of Life.”
“Every chance he had, [Taumoepeau] would be in the mirror practicing without being told. He would stay back and practice without being told. My job is to train the key roles but with Tuti there wasn’t really much training needed.”
Taumoepeau said he has enjoyed the new experiences he has had at work and said taking on new roles has helped him become a better dancer. After training for the role of Mana, Taumoepeau said, “I’ve learned new information about the different cultures. I’m able to see more clearly the bigger picture of ‘Hā: Breath of Life.’ I’ve learned why Mana does certain things and see the show in a whole new light.”
Because of Taumoepeau’s life experiences, Tiave said his ability to connect with the character of Mana has come naturally. Tiave said when he saw Taumoepeau in the scene where Mana holds his child, he could tell he had connected with the character.
“He’s imagining how it would be when he’s that father holding his child, or he’s thinking about what his father was thinking holding him as a child.”
Taumoepeau said his ability to connect with the role of Mana comes from a place of both love and loss. When Mana’s father dies in the show, Taumoepeau said he thinks of his own father’s passing. “I feel a strong connection with Mana during those parts. It’s quite emotional.”
When his father passed away, Taumoepeau was serving a Church mission. He explained, “When I heard the news about my dad passing, the only thing I wished was that I could see my dad for the last time before he was buried.”
When Mana’s father is dying in “Hā: Breath of Life,” he said he relates it to his own experience. “I think to myself, ‘This is how I would have held my dad. This is how I would lay my dad down, and when I cry, this is how I would have cried if I was there. If I had a chance to see my dad for the last time, this is what I would have done.’”
“You can see it in his eyes,” Tiave said. “He makes an emotional connection with you. When it’s time to cry, he cries. When it’s time to smile and be funny, it’s easy for him to get into that role.”
Taumoepeau said his siblings called him their father’s “sidekick,” because he took Taumoepeau around with him when he traveled to teach.
“I will always be thankful my father recognized the great benefit of introducing me to the performing arts early in my life.”