Justin’s strength as a choreographer comes from his extensive experience; founded in cultural and contemporary performance and hip hop; including career highlights of runner -up in ‘So you think you can dance’; touring Walt Disney’s theatre production ‘The Lion King’ and recently completing the NZ debut musical ‘City of a Hundred Lovers’.
Justin has worked alongside NZ's leading choreographer's and dancers including Michael Parmenter, Black Grace Dance Company and was one of the founding dancers and choreographers with the New Zealand Dance Company.
He’s worked with Red Leap Theatre Company, touring the six time award winning production 'The Arrival' and ‘Papersky’.
Justin was a co-pioneer of the clowning group, ‘The White Face Crew’, with their street style roving and award winning performances in ‘La Vie Dans Une Marionette’ and ‘Double Derelicts’
Justin also directs, performs & co-produces his own created physical-theatre family friendly works under Jandel J and the Funky Friends.
Organisation/Company
Name: Jandel J & the Funky Friends
My Role: Director / Co-producer
Jandel J and the Funky Friends create a unique style mix of dance, drama, comedic & fun-filled theatre shows for children and family. They strive to connect their audience to the endearing and heartfelt stories and journeys of the characters lovingly brought to life in the shows.
The company founded by Justin Haiu alongside his wife Renee in 2013, formed by a collective of Pasifika Artists; many whom have come through the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA), and the Unitec performing arts programme.
Apart from the show ‘Motuhake’ the Funky Friends have also created and performed two other full length works - The Perfect Gift & Baggage.
MOTUHAKE
Artform: Physical Theatre
Development Status: Ready To Premiere
Media Uploads
Synopsis
When a young boy discovers some marionettes in his grandfather’s attic, these dusty puppets magically spring to life! Meet a whole host of unique and hilarious characters, and a very magical umbrella, as they work to lead the young boy on a transformative journey to overcome his fear and conquer his dreams of being on the stage.
Creative Team and Crew
Justin Haiu - Director/Performer
Renee Haiu - Co producer
John Verryt - Set Designer
Elizabeth Whiting - Costume Designer
Lauren Jackson - Dramaturge
Troy Tu’ua - Lighting Designer
Karnan Saba - Music Composer
Current
Onetoto Ikavuka - Performer/devisor
Aloali’i Tapu - Performer/devisor
Joachim Koro - Performer/devisor
Co-devisors:
Tupua Tigafua, Eric Ripley, Vita Vaka, Michael Falesiu, Paula Uvea
With support from Mangere Otahuhu Arts, Mangere Otahuhu Local Board, Healing through Arts Trust and Creative New Zealand
Number of People in the Touring Party
5-6 people
Previous Seasons
Auckland Primary School Tours 2013-15, Auckland LIve’s Pick & Mix 2013-14,
Developed version: Showing at Mangere Arts Centre 2020, Auckland Live’s Pick & Mix 2020
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