The Political and Religious Tensions of Fijian Dance in Canada: Renegotiating Identity Through Affect. (2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Evadne
• Is Part Of: Conference proceedings. (2014)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2014
• Subjects: Dance -- Congresses; Dance -- History and criticism -- Congresses; Dance criticism -- Congresses; 792.8
• DOI: 10.1017/cor.2014.14
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-1255

Abstract

Abstract : Recent performances of meke, a "traditional" Fijian song-dance genre, in Canada indicate a renegotiation of identity among Fijians in diasporic communities. However, due to religious and political anxieties involving Fiji's colonial history, not all Fijians in Canada will participate in meke . To explore this, I draw from archival research and fieldwork conducted in Western Canada and Viti Levu, Fiji (2011–2012). Additionally, I take inspiration from the anthropological theory of affect, whereby the body has the ability to be affected (to feel/sense) and to affect others (causing others to feel/sense). I argue that experiences and expressions of powerful feeling states in and surrounding meke performance are important in terms of renegotiating Fiji's past colonial and present post-independence realities while negotiating new connections and relations in multicultural Canada.