What makes our shows different?

As the saying goes “variety is the spice of life”. PAC has a tradition of presenting shows that provide a special event for the community. No two shows are ever the same, and our performers are always striving to develop and display their talents in a way that makes each show genuinely exciting. So, what makes our shows different?

Multi cultural:

PAC Troupe and AFINCA collaboration

Our membership includes Taranaki locals, along with a large cohort of perfomers from other parts of the world, who have come here to make Taranaki their home. Our shows afford performers the opportunity to share their cultural heritage via performance art. From Indian Bollywood, Filipino tinikling, West African drums and Māori poi, to mention only a few. In short, our collective’s cultural expressions are diverse, colourful and inspiring.

That said, performers are not limited to cultural or ethnic performance styles, they are encouraged to explore a variety of styles and genres, perhaps in ways they had not previously considered. We also promote collaborations with other artists, providing possibilities unique to PAC as a collective. All of this results in audience members being treated to a kaleidoscope of creative expression in one production.

Multi genre:

PAC’s focus typically is on four core genres: modeling, dance, music and singing. In past shows, models have displayed different methods of tying and draping ethnic wear, featured clothing from different regions of India, and showcased styles worn by the locally based Filipino community. This year, models will be displaying not only the stunning clothing, but also presenting a collection of multi ethnic percussion instruments.

Limelight 2025 featured a presentation of different styles of saris from various regions of India

Dance styles range from Bollywood, Tribal belly dance, Classical Sri Lankan, Classical Vietnamese, Korean, Egyptian style belly dance, contemporary dance and so many more! From one show to the next, groups and solo artists endeavour to provide exciting dances. Each performance is carefully curated, from the music choice and choreography to the costuming. The range of styles included in any given show provides a rich audience experience. It’s fun for the dancers too!

The musical talent in PAC is inspiring. Many PAC musicians play a variety of instruments. Probably the most well known musical group of the collective is AFINCA. Some members are seasoned percussionists, others, just getting started.

PAC productions showcase soloists, duos and bands, with musical acts ranging from classical violin and rock guitar to African drumming. Shows provide musicians with the opportunity to grow their experience of live performance. Playing live music is an excellent opportunity for artists wishing to hone their skills. For the audience, listening to live music can be mesmerising.

Clare combined live vocals and electric bass playing in her debut piece with PAC

I personally marvel at the sounds experienced musicians draw from their chosen instrument. You never know what great talent might be revealed on stage. The human voice is the universal instrument. Singing comes naturally to everyone, until it doesn’t! As they grow up, some people stop singing, at least in public - others continue. PAC encourages the latter.

The most moving and uplifting performances are not always the most perfect. The vulnerabilty of an artist, their emotion, energy level, and experience are all exposed during live performance. And PAC shows present live singing - no lip syncing. The emotion of the singer, connection to the lyrics, and sense of self are all laid bare on stage. Audience members are treated to the special experience of hearing another human use their voice to express themselves in song.

Our multi talented Filipino models, dancers, and singers of all ages

Multi generational:

PAC shows include people from the very beginning of their performance years, to the experienced “old hands”. Our shows are family friendly. Dance troupes with members of various ages can perform as a unit, family groups with parents and children can perform together, a mother can sing as her daughter dances on stage alongside her.

There are no age group divisions. Performers from four years of age to eighty years old (or more!) are able to take the stage together. The performing arts are a crucial part of our shared humanity at any age. PAC shows invite the audience to see our community represented in its entirety.

Thematic structure:

The author, Bronwyn Hughes, will soon reveal a new fantastical costume creation for her role as the WorldBeat narrator

Each PAC show has a theme - this year’s theme is “WorldBeat”. On October 17th 2026, at the Plymouth International Hotel, we will be presenting a story, the first time we have followed this particular structure.

The story starts with the mother’s heartbeat, and goes from there. Each act is thematically connected to the story, with a focus on heart, beat, and percussion. As a collective, we are challenging ourselves to provide something new and unusual - something Taranaki audiences might not ordinarily get to experience, at least, not from local talent together in one variety show.

PAC shows are different, and we invite you to come along and join us in celebration of both the challenges and rewards of live performance.