Father and Sons a brand new show presented by the Christchurch Arts Festival and performing arts collective Pacific Underground debuts on Friday 23 September in the Telstra Club.  Preceded by Pacific Underground (PU)’s offering of their popular show Island Summer (on Sunday 11 September) in the Telstra Club, Father and Sons marks significant change for PU since February’s earthquake.  

PU joins the many arts groups and people left homeless since February’s earthquake.  Being based in the Dux de Lux building since 1997, their lease was terminated by the Arts Centre Trust  - a contributing factor for show creators Pos Mavaega and Tanya Muagututi’a to move to Auckland with their three children.

“There are less venues and spaces so, no gigs for me.” Says Pos Mavaega who also played in numerous bands including reggae group D’sendantz.  “We’re used to travelling between the two cities, this time though, up-routing the kids was hard.  We all miss home too, heaps.”

Back in April the PU members moved everything out of the office after a 2-month wait, while continuing remotely with rehearsals for the Wanaka Festival of Colour, Dunedin’s Matariki Festival and preparing for Father and Sons with the Christchurch Arts Festival team. 

Father and Sons stars NZ’s iconic Hip Hop artist Che Fu and his Dad Tigi Ness alongside Nesian Mystik’s Feleti Strickson-Pua, and his poet and Reverend father Mua Strickson-Pua.   PU’s very own Drummer Chris Searle features alongside his Dad - well-know jazz and classical pianist Laurie Searle.

“The Fathers and Sons show is looking really exciting. The opportunity for me and my dad to collaborate across art forms is something which will truly be one of the most memorable performances of my career.

It's been about 6-7 years since the last opportunity to perform together, and a lot has changed in that time, in terms of our art forms.  Can't wait to see the result come the festival.” Says Feleti Strickson-Pua from iconic R&B, Hip Hop group Nesian Mystik.  “I'm stoked that the Christchurch Arts Festival has led the way in exploring the often forgotten special dynamic of fathers and their sons, the stories and cross generational banter will be such an experience.”

Local legend and PU’s resident drummer Chris Searle will play with his dad Laurie Searle for the first time since in over 25 years.

“Both Chris and Laurie have been full time musicians in two completely different circuits, so we’re really excited to see this new, old and familial collaboration.  ”  says PU Manager Tanya Muagututi’a.  “Father and Sons is a reflection of the strength of our families in Christchurch. Losing our office is nothing really compared to what’s happened to our city or the eastside where we’re from.”

“Christchurch has suffered so much since last September.  Our families have got through a lot of this together.  Fathers and Sons is a celebration of that.“