In Conversation with Emele Ugavule – Aqua Nullius: Toe Fai! and Talaucaka
In this edition of In Conversation, we shine a light on Aqua Nullius: Toe Fai! and Talaucaka, a new play series by Emele Ugavule, premiering at The Blue Room Theatre from 4 – 15 August. Step into the fractured future of Aqua Nullius, a speculative Pasifikafuturism play series by Emele Ugavule, where memory, data, and ancestry collide. This double-bill presentation, Toe Fai! and Talaucaka, weaves together two interconnected worlds that imagine futures shaped by ecological collapse and technological empire, drawing from an Indigenous Pacific perspective.. We caught up with Emele Ugavule to dive into the creative process behind the work and what audiences can expect from this thrilling new production.
What motivated you to apply to be part of The Blue Room Theatre’s 2026 season, and what drew you to this project?
I was approached by Joel Evans to submit my shows to The Blue Room Theatre. I am a big believer in the integral role independent theatre plays in our arts ecosystem, and being from Western Australia, was interested in presenting a show at home.
How has the creative journey been so far, from concept development to rehearsals?
The creative journey has been turbulent, full of joy and highly rewarding. There is a lot of research in this work that has taken a long time to disseminate. Everytime we present it, I have new realisations and understandings of the work and want to dig deeper, stretch and bend the work. I have an incredible team that I feel deeply indebted to for believing in this story, and this work enough to bring it to life. Without them, this project would be nothing but an idea in my head.
What has stood out to you during the rehearsal process, any unexpected discoveries or moments of growth?
Laughter is integral to my creativity and wellbeing. The themes in this play series, Aqua Nullius, are very dense and heavy. I don’t shy away from talking about the gravity of the cultural crisis we are facing as Indigenous peoples in Oceania. So having a team that are a joy to be around, and make me cry laugh has been one of the greatest blessings of this project. And I try to bring this humour into my work where I can. Nobody makes me laugh like my own people.
How has the collaboration with your cast, crew, and creatives shaped the work and your vision for it?
Collaboration is the work and vision. A play needs many minds, hearts and hands to breathe. Our team are excellent ideas and solutions focused artists who have made this world so much richer than I ever could alone. I really cannot iterate that enough. Additionally our producer, Kaitlin Scott, is an incredible people weaver who has brought everything together with mana and aroha. I truly feel so grateful.
What does having your show programmed in The Blue Room Season mean to you as a lead creative?
I shared with Sophie Minissale from Foyer Talk Magazine that this is the first time I have presented any of my plays in Boorloo. This is because in my experience, when I was living here, there was little appetite for Pacific work. Despite many meetings that I had over the years, people were not interested in investing in nor programming it. I have been able to present my work interstate and overseas but struggled here in Western Australia. The Blue Room season has given me a chance to back myself, my story, and say that I deserve to be here and my stories are worth experiencing. It offers me an opportunity to tell me story on Country that has shaped who I am, and to speak back to it. It allows me to invite my community into a story that is written for them. It has taught me how to tour a work with a show and company of this scale. The meaning is invaluable, really.
As you move closer to opening, what are you most excited, or even nervous, about sharing with audiences?
I’m not nervous about sharing anything because I have reached a point in my creative practice where I have accepted who I am. I harbour no shame or fear around the way I tell stories or the stories I tell. Theatremaking and storytelling is how I make sense of the world, and hopefully contribute to it being better. I love this craft so deeply, and will stand by what we share – and how it’s received. Having presented previously to predominantly Maori and Pasifika audiences, it will be interesting to experience Boorloo’s audience responses. We don’t know who will attend, or what their reactions will be. But I believe that every audience member matters, regardless of whether we have 2 audience members or a full house. I have learnt so much from speaking with audiences post-show, hearing how they respond to and interpret the work and how that’s shaped by who they are and where they live.
What is your show bringing to the Perth arts scene, and what do you think would help strengthen the local arts ecosystem?
Excellent storytelling and a lot of heart. This cast are so magnetic, funny, and loveable. The design is so thoughtful, generous and detailed. I am excited for people to experience the gifts of my wonderful team. If we offer anything that strengthens the local arts ecosystem, it’s an opportunity for people to challenge their perception of what is Pacific arts and Pacific theatre.
Image by Maeve O’Connell