For immediate release 1/10/2013
Premiere of Speak Your Truth at Court Theatre
Click for big version.
CPIT’s Sela Faletolu is talking to Māori and Pasifika youth instead of talking about them. Her unique No Limits!
programme has grabbed the attention of policy makers and youth workers here and overseas for its success in engaging
these students. Now the country’s politicians will see the progress first hand when No Limits! presents their premiere
performance of Speak Your Truth at the Court Theatre on 10 November at 2pm.
Described as “a raw and moving performance by Māori/Pacific youth addressing the social issues that affects their
ability to engage and achieve at school and in life”, the opening performance by 50 local youth will be followed by a
forum with invited decision makers including principals, MPs, City Councillors, Creative New Zealand, Ministry of
Pacific Island Affairs, Ministry of Maori Affairs, service providers for Maori/Pacific youth, CPIT Executives and
Department Leaders, youth focussed media networks, police, and social workers.
A previous production at Aranui High School Drama Theatre last November had some Canterbury school principals and
teachers in tears as the reality of the challenges some students face hit home.
“With CPIT’s support, I have continued to run No Limits! this year with Silivelio Fasi as weekly Saturday sessions and a
school holiday programme. I believe we are defined by purpose, not by circumstance. The biggest fear is not failure, but
of them never trying to live to their full potential and regretting it their whole lives.” Faletolu said.
“It is powerful when these kids start to face their barriers. It’s often emotional and it feels like really important
and effective work. I see the changes in the kids but what I love and treasure is when they feel the changes. They are
learning not just how to be great performers, or what kind of job they want to do, but how to be good people – good
future husbands, wives, parents – and to be happy in themselves. That’s pretty amazing.”
Speak Your Truth, two performances 2pm and 7pm on Sunday 10th November 2013. Tickets are available for only $5 from The Court Theatre on
03 963 0870 or visit www.courttheatre.org.nz.
ENDS