ABOUT MOANA
Moana is a celebration of the rich stories of Oceania and is based on the beliefs and cultures of real people. In creating the original film, the producers at Disney Animation formed an Oceanic Trust. This group of anthropologists, cultural practitioners, historians, linguists, and choreographers from islands including Samoa, Tahiti, Mo’orea, and Fiji was integral in the creation of the film, providing feedback and notes on character design, song lyrics, and the depiction of culture onscreen. This respect and careful attention to detail was carried forward in the creation of Moana JR. for the stage. Each production of the show is supplied with a Director’s Guide, a Pronunciation Guide, and Choreography Video demonstrations, providing information, research, and best practices for respectfully celebrating Oceanic culture.
Most importantly, Moana JR. is a celebration of the cultures and peoples of the Pacific Islands, inspired by their shared history of ancient wayfinding and exploration. The Walt Disney Animation Studios and the creators of Moana went to great lengths to develop this animated feature in respectful conversation with diverse experts from across Oceania so that its representation of culture could be both accurate and celebrated by Pacific Islanders and non-Pacific Islanders alike.
ICRC'S PRODCUTION OF MOANA JR.
Although Motunui is a fictional island, it is based on many real oceanic cultures and includes the beliefs and customs of real people. We made every effort to produce this show in the best way that we could to engage our community and uplift the cultural inspirations of Moana, as well as the Pacific Islands. We did our best to honor the culture of the Pacific Islands, but also tell the story of a young lady who embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery as she sails across the ocean to save her village. The kids in this show haved learned about Oceanic culture along our journey. Disney and MTI put a lot of care into the production materials for this show so that we could teach and educate about the culture along our story-telling adventure.
WHERE ARE MAUI'S TATTOOS?
Our markings tell a personal story that we carry with us on our skin, everywhere we go - constantly reminding us of our values, our people, and our identity. It is considered taboo and extremely disrespectful in many Pacific cultures to wear the markings of a people or place that you are not spiritually or physically connected to. After the release of Moana, Maui may be a Disney character to some, but to many Pacific people, he is very real - a hero, ancestor, demi-God and a spiritual guide. Even for Pacific people who don't believe in Maui, replicating a Polynesian tattoo is belittling and trivializing an intimate aspect of Pacific people and culture. Out of respect for the beliefs of the Oceanic & Polynesian cultures, our Maui is appearing on stage without tattoos.
