'third gender'

Pacific's 'third gender' tell stories through dance

Performing arts company Fine Fatale is examining how the Pacific's 'third gender' is faring in today's cultural climate.

Their latest work, 'Le Freak', performed during Auckland's Urbanesia Festival, draws inspiration from the noble savages of the Pacific, and asks how they can move beyond being the freaks of the world.

The lead choreographer, Amanaki Prescott-Faletau, says fa'afafine and fakaleiti are traditionally called on to entertain - and they're using this to get their own messages across.