Originally developed as a solo show and presented at the New Zealand Fringe Festival in a development season in 2017, Faovale Imperium has continued to evolve and develop, and is now a collaboration between Nokise, award-winning producer H-J Kilkelly, and Rodrigo Pantojo (aka DJ Don Luchito) who performs the soundscape alongside James’ performance. Internationally experienced Sound Engineer, Marc Freeman, completes the touring team, ensuring quality sound wherever the location. 

Faovale Imperium was the recipient of the Dunedin Fringe Festival UNESCO City of Literature Award and was runner up for Best in Fringe in 2021. 

In Aotearoa/New Zealand, Faovale Imperium has been presented at Clyde Quay, as part of NZ Fringe (2017), The Dowse Art Museum and Pātaka Art Gallery & Museum as part of Kia Mau Festival (2018), re-mounted in its new form at The Dowse Art Museum, Pātaka Art Gallery & Museum (2020), and as part of Dunedin Fringe Festival at Toitū Early Settlers Museum and Tūhara Otago Museum (2021). New venues are being programmed for 2025. 

Internationally, Faovale Imperium undertook a successful 2024 tour, thanks to support from British Council and Creative New Zealand. The show was performed at the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh), Pitt Rivers Museum (Oxford), the British Museum (London), Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (Bristol) and The McManus Museum & Art Gallery (Dundee). 

The success of the show to date has proven there is both an appetite for this type of work, and the discussions it stimulates. Museums and Galleries are at a point in their postcolonial conversations where works of this nature are being embraced by institutions and audiences alike.