We are happy to announce Sarai Perenise-Ropeti (Iva, Solosolo, Ngāti Porou) as the Pacific Producer Resident for 2024!
This three- month residency, Supported by Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy, is an opportunity to support a Pasifika producer develop new work at BATS Theatre. Now in its second year, the Pacific Producer Residency continues to foster Pasifika talent in the arts.
Sarai is a Tagata Moana storyteller based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, with a love for theatre rooted in traditional storytelling. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) from Te Herenga Waka. Sarai’s debut play Brown Crown — which she produced, wrote, and directed — was featured at BATS Theatre as part of the Six Degrees Festival and later remounted for the Kia Mau Festival in 2021.
Sarai shares, “This residency is a privilege, where I have the time and support to really focus my energy on what it means to produce in a Pasifika space, and build the foundation for what I want the future pathways of my journey to look like.”
Since Brown Crown, Sarai has contributed to a range of independent arts projects, including directing Frangipani Perfume at Centrepoint Theatre and a development season of We Are Many by David F. Mamea. She also served as Moana script adviser resident at Playmarket, stage managed Sherilee Kahui’s Mokomoko, and most recently was the Associate Producer for Capital E's National Theatre for Children. In 2022, Sarai was nominated for Most Promising Newcomer at the Wellington Theatre Awards.
“I’m excited to work with BATS Theatre to create space and opportunities for Pacific creatives in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I want them to feel like they have a home to nurture and experiment with their work .”
During her residency, Sarai looks forward to honing her skills as a Tagata Moana Producer. She’s eager to collaborate with other emerging Pacific producers and further expand the presence of Pasifika works in the performance space.
BATS Theatre's Chief Executive, Jonty Hendry, expressed his excitement: "We’re absolutely thrilled to continue working with Sarai in this new role. She’s already established a remarkable track record in the arts sector, bringing intelligence, courage, and beautiful creativity to her work, both on stage and behind the scenes. We can’t wait to see what emerges from this special collaboration with Sarai, Creative New Zealand, and BATS."
Sarai will be working with us until the end of the year, and we are excited to see what she creates.
