“From Page to Stage” – A Literary Festival at ASCC

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Original poetry, prose and artwork drawn from the English Honor Society Sigma Kappa Delta’s (SKD) publication drew art lovers, family and friends, and faculty to SKD’s first literary festival at the American Samoa Community College held Friday, March 24.

Titled “From Page to Stage” the festival took place at the ASCC Multi purpose Center where Cherinalei Simanu , Ayjah Leo , Destiny Savusa , Greg Zemby, Hadassah Mageo-Umi, Joffrey Maalona, Karoline Ilimaleota , and Kenicia Godinet were on stage performing their poetry.

In addition to original poetry presentations, an art exhibit by students was set up adjacent to the poetry performances.

This strong acrylic by Kenicia Godinet titled “Tribal Sleeve” highlights how contemporary tattoo art yields back to traditional motifs and designs.  It was on display at English Honor Society Sigma Kappa Delta’s first literary festival at the American Samoa Community College. [courtesy photo]

Maranatha Tanuvasa, Deliah Paopao, Amberlina Fele, and Anderina Anoai showcased a series of paintings that highlighted traditional motifs and designs on abstract acrylic backgrounds. The paintings were originally featured in an issue of “Pacific Voices”.

Maranatha Tanuvasa’s abstract acrylic titled “Etched” was one of the paintings on display at English Honor Society Sigma Kappa Delta’s first literary festival at the American Samoa Community College held Friday, March 24 [courtesy photo]

These striking and original canvasses matched the themes of culture and identity being performed by poets on stage.

A pensive figurative portrait — Deliah Paopao’s  “Pondering” was on display at English Honor Society Sigma Kappa Delta’s first literary festival at the American Samoa Community College held Friday, March 24. [courtesy photo]

Student Government Association president and SKD member, Luciano Fuataaga was the MC for the event and commented on the experience “ 
Chapter advisor Ruta’ Tauiliili-Mahuka along with co-advisor Ninna Balauro are looking forward to hosting next year’s event to showcase more original student poetry and artwork.

One of the paintings that highlighted traditional motifs and designs at English Honor Society Sigma Kappa Delta’s first literary festival at the American Samoa Community College was Maranatha Tanuvasa’s work titled “Hand Tattoo”. [courtesy photo]

The Alpha Eta chapter of SKD at ASCC sponsored the festival, which is expected to become an annual event.