Lion King prowling Pasifika for talent

By ALAN PERROTT

The Australian casting director of Disney's The Lion King will attend Pasifika to spot talent.

Egil Kapste regards the festival as a "one-stop" showcase for singers and will take time out from the Sydney-based stage show to audition new cast members on Saturday during the festival.

"We've geared our whole programme around getting to Auckland in time for Pasifika," he said. "It's like an artist market where we can go for some one-stop shopping.

"If you want to see who are the best New Zealand performers at the moment, go to Pasifika."

Disney's Sydney musical features eight New Zealanders in its cast, including former West Aucklander Vince Harder, who plays the lead role of Simba.

Samoan Jay Laga'aia (Street Legal, Water Rats and Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones) plays Mufasa, the regal patriarch of the lion pride, in the Sydney production.

While The Lion King may be the first production to take advantage of the Pasifika festival, Mr Kapste does not expect it to be the last.

"We're telling everyone about what we've found over there and they are listening. We've held five auditions in New Zealand and they have dug up gold for us.

"If we are successful on this trip you can expect more to follow because Vince [Harder] has proved there are people in New Zealand who may be working in small bands but have the talent and professionalism to make it to the big time."

Harder will miss three shows of The Lion King to help publicise the auditions and make a short appearance at Pasifika on Friday.

The 21-year-old won the part of Simba at an audition last August and has been appearing in the role at the Capitol Theatre since last October.

Speaking from Sydney, the one-time sports shoe salesman said he was still stunned at his sudden elevation. "It's been a huge step up for me. Just being in the same show and hanging with people like Jay Laga'aia has opened my eyes up to how much I have to learn about my voice, performing and life in general ... I've discovered how important sleep is," Harder said.

"I'm pretty stoked to be coming back because I get to see my family and show everyone what I've learned. And I really want to see [singer] Brooke Fraser."

The involvement of The Lion King is an exciting development for Pasifika organisers.

Midi Meleisea, who is organising auditions at Motat's Colonial Arms functions centre, said the approach was the result of the networking that organising the festival had required.

"These relationships are something we would love to develop further and hopefully this is just a beginning," she said.

"Disney has recognised what Pasifika can offer ... We can grow into something truly international."

Pasifika Festival 2004
Saturday March 13, 9.00am - 6.00pm
Western Springs Lakeside and Stadium
Great North Rd, Auckland


Herald Feature: Pasifika Festival

Auckland City Pasifika Festival webpage