Natano Fa’anana

Co-Founder, Creative Director, Company Member

Natano Fa’anana’s unique style of performance draws inspiration from his Samoan roots, fused with acrobatics, aerials and dance.

“As Samoans we are encouraged to sing and dance our old music from the islands. At a family function, a wedding or a traditional ceremonies or even funerals we sing or dance to celebrate or acknowledge that particular event. This remains part of you wherever you are and this is a driving force for my performance and creating process.”

He has achieved international recognition through his work with with the award winning Polytoxic Theatre Company, as Co-creator and Performer in Briefs: All Male Review, and in his current role as Co-founder, Creative Director and Company Member of Casus.

Natano was in his thirties when he first pursued a career in performance. His choice to learn from individuals rather than through schools or institutions gave him the freedom to blend different styles of performance, movement and culture. This fluidly of style is evident in all his performance, directing and teaching work.

“I love art, I love circus and I’m a story teller. Creating shows is my outlet. Instead of making our art on a canvas with a paintbrush we do it with our bodies.”

 Off stage, Natano is passionate about teaching, and is recognised for the work he has done using circus, dance and movement in outreach arts work for young people in Australia and overseas.