WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL
Rako Headlines Woodford Folk Festival 2023 – A Celebration of Culture, Movement & Storytelling
Rako Pasefika was honoured to be one of the headlining acts at Woodford Folk Festival 2023, bringing two powerful productions—Agai and Rima—to this world-renowned festival. These performances showcased Rako’s unique fusion of contemporary and traditional Pacific movement, aerial artistry, fire performance, and live music, highlighting the deep cultural narratives that shape our storytelling.
In addition to performances, Rako Pasefika led interactive workshops in weaving, flower crown making, and fire spinning, offering festival attendees the opportunity to experience and learn from Pacific traditions.
One of Australia’s largest and most iconic music, arts, and culture festivals.
Pronunciation & Meaning
Woodford Folk Festival [phonetic: wʊd-fərd folk fes-tuh-vuhl] – One of Australia’s largest and most iconic music, arts, and culture festivals.
Director
Letila Mitchell
Cast & Team
Letila Mitchell – Director
Chelsea McGuffin – Artistic Collaborator
Paul Dominiko – Music Director
Iane Atalifo – Lead Performer & Musician
Zelda Rafai – Lead Performer
Georgina Semesi – Dancer & Vocalist
Maeva Mitchell Dominiko – Performer
Mark Philip Pene – Musician
Norman Fimone – Musician
Josiemaraya Ryland – Performer
Maleina Molia – Aerialist (Silks & Hoops)
Kapieri Samisoni – Dancer
Tristan Petueli – Dancer
Victoria Fatiaki – Dancer
Josie Bonnington-Mailisi – Aerialist and Dancer
Emillie Pritchard – Fire Specialist
Steven John – Master Weaver
Rindi Harradine – Circus Performer
Teisha Hinsch – Lyra Performer
Synopsis
At Woodford Folk Festival 2023, Rako Pasefika was honoured to be a headlining act, presenting two breathtaking productions:
Agai – A water-based performance exploring the balance of opposites—fire and water, air and earth—through traditional and contemporary Pacific movement. Featuring the Leweton Water Drummers from Vanuatu, Cook Island dancers, Rotuman war dancers, and Siva Afi (fire performance), this show embodied the harmony of nature and culture.
Rima – A Pacific circus-theatre production that blends live music, aerial artistry, and fire performance into a powerful story of resilience and light emerging from darkness. With aerial silks, hoop performances, drumming, and fire dancing, Rima showcased the extraordinary talent of Indigenous Pacific artists on a grand stage.
Beyond performances, Rako Pasefika engaged audiences through cultural workshops in weaving, fire spinning, and flower crown making, sharing the rich traditions of Pacific craftsmanship and storytelling.
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
Woodford Folk Festival 2023 - 2024 - Brisbane, Australia.
MEDIA & PRESS
Festival Gallery
High-resolution images for media use: Flickr Albums – Woodford Folk Festival 2023/24
RAKO Gallery
Photos taken by Dan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & GRATITUDE
A heartfelt Faiakse’ea (thank you) to all who contributed to making our Woodford Folk Festival experience unforgettable:
Creative Team & Performers
Letila Mitchell – Director
Chelsea McGuffin – Artistic Collaborator
Iane Atalifo, Zelda Rafai, – Lead Performers
Paul Dominiko, Norman Fimone, Maeva Mitchell Dominiko, Josie Bonnington-Mailisi, Maleina Molia, Tristan Petueli – Aerialists, Dancers, Musicians
Leweton Water Drummers (Vanuatu) – Special Guests
Fire Specialists: Emillie Pritchard & Aunty Helen
Weavers & Designers: Master Steven, Laisiasa Davetawalu, Vivian Hosking-Aue, Rosie Semisi & team
Sponsors & Supporters
Fiji Airways – Flight sponsorship for Rako’s performers
Moana Loa Studio – Rehearsal space support
Woodford Folk Festival Team – Festival organizers and crew
A huge thank you to our families, friends, and the entire Rako Pasefika community for your unwavering support!
ARTIST STATEMENT
"Through dance, music, and movement, we honour the balance of nature, the resilience of our people, and the powerful stories of our ancestors. Woodford Folk Festival 2023 was a moment of celebration, storytelling, and cultural exchange—where Indigenous artists came together to create something truly unforgettable. We dedicate these performances to the past, present, and future generations of Pacific storytellers." – Rako Pasefika
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