Biography:
Lusi Faiva (born in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington) is a New Zealand-Samoan stage performer and dancer and a founding member of Touch Compass. Her journey in the arts has been truly remarkable, marked by immense talent, dedication, and the ability to overcome significant challenges.
Born with cerebral palsy, Faiva faced a difficult start in life. She was taken from her birth parents and placed into an institution by the state. However, at the age of two, a loving couple named Ted and Peg Jones decided to foster her. Under their care, Faiva thrived and began to discover her passion for performance.
During her childhood, Faiva was reunited with her birth mother at the age of seven, which led to a profound discovery of her Samoan heritage. This connection to her cultural roots would play a significant role in shaping her artistic journey later on.
Faiva’s career has spanned over 30 years, and she has become a role model for both disabled and non-disabled artists and audiences alike. She considers her career to be her greatest achievement, and rightfully so. With incredible determination and talent, Faiva has made a lasting impact on the performing arts scene in New Zealand.
As a founding member of Aotearoa’s Touch Compass, a disability-led professional performance company, Faiva has been involved in all of its major shows in New Zealand and Australia. This groundbreaking company produces performance works and arts activations that challenge societal norms and perceptions about disability.
One of Faiva’s earliest and most impactful shows was Lusi’s Eden in 2001. This autobiographical performance delved into her experiences growing up in institutions and was a compelling exploration of her personal journey. Auckland Art Festival’s director, Shona McCullagh, described it as one of the most impactful works I have ever seen.
Faiva has also ventured into the world of film, with projects such as Mr and Mrs Jones in 2014. This short film tells the story of her foster parents, who played a crucial role in teaching her to read and write. Their support enabled Faiva to communicate with others and opened up new avenues of self-expression.
In 2021, Faiva collaborated with the theatre company Everybody Cool Lives Here and Tupe Lualua to create a work called Taupou for Wellington’s CubaDupa festival. This performance reflected Faiva’s personal journey of reconnection and acceptance through her culture and community as a Samoan. She plans to turn Taupou into a full-length show, hoping to take it on a nationwide tour in the near future.
Awards:
– 2020 Pacific Toa Artist Award at the Arts Pasifika Awards
– 2021 Artistic Achievement Award from Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards
Lusi Faiva’s accomplishments and impact extend far beyond her disability. Through her artistry, she has shattered stereotypes and proven that anyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can achieve their dreams. Her lasting contributions to the world of performing arts and her role as a trailblazer make her an inspiring figure in women’s history and a beacon of hope for all.