Sneak peak at Opening Ceremony preparations of the Samoa 2007 Pacific Games

With just 18 days to go before the Samoa XIII South Pacific Games from 25 August-8 September 2007, the opening ceremony preparations have been kept under tight wraps in order not to spoil the surprise for the viewers and public spectators, however as the Games draw closer a few of those secrets are out of the bag.

According to the executive producer Walter Frazer, who is currently based in Fiji as the University of the South Pacific's Registrar, his team has been working hard over the last year to prepare for the Opening Ceremony with his creative team, which includes Igelese Ete the Games music director and composer, and Alan Alo the Games Ceremony choreographer.

With the plans complete, daily rehearsals are now underway with all the performers and singers.

It has been reported that participants and viewers must be prepared for an amazing spectacle, one that is going to live on in the hearts and minds of all Samoans for years to come.

Walter admits that the rehearsals are going well and that he has had nothing but absolute help from the Ministry of Education, which has been crucial in terms of harnessing performers from the schools of Apia and beyond. The students have not only contributed a lot of time, but also a tremendous amount of effort so far as well.

His aim has been to provide a ceremony that is like no other the South Pacific Games has seen in the past. The benchmark for the ceremony has been set at Olympic Games standard. In order to deliver this goal the team researched and watched every opening ceremony of the past Olympic Games since the Los Angeles Games in 1984.

Upon being asked whether there will be any particular surprises in the show, Walter elaborated on some of the finer points of the production.

“It will not only be a visual feast but a delight to the ears with intermingled aspects of Samoan culture, dance, and music. We are focusing on one central legend with core figures in the ceremony and we also have some pretty amazing props. So I think that in terms of the theatrical aspect of the ceremony we intend it to be world class.”

For those of you who can not make it to the event the opening ceremony is part of the live broadcast package, so those at home will not miss out. Stay tuned on more sneak peaks of the Opening Ceremony of the South Pacific Games in the week to come!

Source: SPGA