Months of rehearsals, long days and little sleep turned into a night to remember for the young cast of Sina, who performed before a full house at the University of the South Pacific last night.
The production marks Oceania Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies' first major performance since December 2023, and the official relaunch of its performing and musical arts programme.
Twenty-six-year-old Laisenia Qarase, who played the role of the eel, says he never imagined performing in front of such a large audience.
He says the cast often rehearsed from morning until late at night, with some members getting only a few hours of sleep before returning to training the next day.
Qarase says seeing every seat filled made all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.
He thanked the directors for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to take on one of the production's leading roles.
Qarase says he hopes theatre and performing arts will receive greater support in Fiji, adding that the country has no shortage of talented performers.
Eighteen-year-old Lina Daunakamakama, who played the lead role of Sina, says she was overwhelmed by the support shown by the audience.
She says she did not know what to expect before stepping onto the stage but was delighted to see a packed auditorium.
Daunakamakama says preparing for the production was challenging after it was postponed several times, but the extra time allowed the cast to refine their performance.
She says portraying Sina meant understanding the character's emotions and journey, something she found deeply personal.
Daunakamakama thanked the directors, her parents and fellow cast members for supporting her throughout the journey, saying they made the experience both memorable and rewarding.
