A musical called "Teu le va" was held last Friday evening to enable youth to use performing arts to express themselves on taboo subjects and raise awareness on mental health. 

The musical was hosted by non-profit Brown Woke Girl (B.G.W.) in partnership with S.P.A.C.E at the S.P.A.C.E. headquarters in Fugalei on Friday evening.

Co-directed by BGW founder Maluseu Doris Tulifau, Glenville Lord, Derek Wendt and Valentino Maliko, the performance attracted a diverse group of people.

Maluseu told the Samoa Observer that the performances were created by the artists themselves, whose use of poetry and dance emanated from their own thoughts, on the stigmata state and discrimination of mental health.

"We asked all the youth about what they wanted to do for pieces on mental health," she said.

"The adage that it is okay to not be okay is highlighted in the awareness.”

According to Maluseu, everyone talked about relationships, suicide, parental expectations, anxiety and depression.

"So we made sure that all those themes were shown in the performances," she said.

"It was a really great collaboration between Brown Girl Work and S.P.A.C.E. as we do a lot of open mic (live performances) and virtual poetry slams.”

Maluseu also pointed out that their open mic workshops are free of charge with free food and admission, and indicated that they were funded by the New Zealand High Commission to the tune of WST$15,000 and participating artists are also paid.

"Most artists don't get paid so that's why parents don't encourage them to do art," she said.

The B.G.W. and its partners also host their events at The University of the South Pacific (USP) Campus at Alafua, added Maluseu. 

"We also have our events at the University of South Pacific and we always work with Ronna Lee [of U.S.P.] which is how we find many talented artistic youth," she said. 

"The S.P.A.C.E. group included Lotopa Levaula, Dominic Iosefa, Zelluia Ainuu, and Valentino Maliko, who is also a singer (co-director of S.P.A.C.E.).

"The Brown Girl Woke poets Tia Maria Pepe Aluni, Prince lalovi, dancer Poka Tuifelasai  who also represents the deaf association of Samoa and singer Nathan Pomare.

"Poka Tufelasai gave an emotional performance on his being ignored as a deaf person, using the song lyrics, the sound of silence sung by Nathan Pomare.”

B.G.W. also partners with Nuanua o le alofa so there was a deaf translator at the event, said Maluseu.

S.P.A.C.E. is the acronym for Samoa Performing Arts and Creative Excellence and comprises a group of young people who are talented in performing arts and creatives.