Behind the scene

In Tahiti most of our greatest shows perform at the Maison de la Culture in Papeete, 

at Toata Heiva Festival

or on Marae Arahurahu, 

one of our most ancient cultual site

my friend Do, who was performing that day, had invited me along

the headresses were ready

baskets filled with flowers were sheltered in the shade

pahu and blowing conches were ready to be used

musicians practiced one more time

abundance of food is part of the show, as are flowers, trees, animals, nature, spiritual beings, and heroes of our past

traditional mats are carefully rolled up before the show

the site of this marae is lovely

and the marae well kept up

my friend Do is ready

may the show begin !