Stories of mafana: How the fourth wall inhibits mafana in contemporary Pasifika performance in Auckland

Abstract

This research is situated within a wider discourse about decolonization for Pacific peoples living in Aotearoa New Zealand. The aim of this research is to further multiculturalism in the Auckland contemporary dance experience- a policy priority for the New Zealand government. A brief history of the fourth wall is provided, demonstrating its relationship to dance and problematic hegemonic notions of sophistication and superiority. The literature is surveyed to construct a starting definition for the concepts of malie and mafana in relationship to the concept of va. This research utilises the Kakala Research Framework as a methodological approach to research design and treatment of knowledge. This research engages four participants who are cultural practitioners of mafana, as well as currently involved in the Auckland contemporary dance industry through talanoa interviews. Four stories are curated to unpack diverse and relevant meanings of mafana for the participants in current and changing contexts. Themes that emerge include diversity of contexts mafana can occur in and from, diversity of expression and form, relationships and identity, and the diversity of emotions that can be present in the practice of mafana. The contrasts between mafana and the fourth wall are also examined, including the treatment of relationship between audience and performer, and manifestations of support. This research then explores how the fourth wall exerts hegemony, inhibiting the practice of mafana by Pasifika audiences, performers, and choreographers in Auckland. The result is revealed to be problematic, resulting in uncertainty, frustration, and disconnection from aspects of cultural identity and practice for the participants. Furthermore, the insidious nature of the hegemony is revealed through the language and perspectives of the participants. Also discussed is how physical space contributes to the hegemonic influence of the fourth wall, and how this can adversely affect and discourage the practice of mafana. Possible future research directions are then identified through questions that have emerged, along with critical reflections of the research process and future learnings. Applications of this research are considered in regards to policy, pedagogy, and practice, in New Zealand, wider Polynesia, and globally.