FIJI is equal to any country in the world when it comes to expressive arts, according to Karen Stevenson.
Ms Stevenson, acting director of the USP's Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific studies, believes Fijians need to appreciate the quality of art in the country.
Following the gala world premier of LIFE on Wednesday night at the Japan-Pacific ICT Theatre, Ms Stevenson said: "LIFE really draws attention to the level of arts that is here, which is very high.
"I don't think people here really appreciate the quality and expertise that we have in Fiji, it really is equal to anywhere else in the world and we don't always take advantage of it or acknowledge that."
LIFE, the first full length dance production by Oceania Dance Theatre's artistic director Peter Rockford Espiritu, is a journey through dance that utilises projections, spoken word, live music and theatre to weave together an artistic picture that shares intimate moments of one's life.
The gala opening was attended mostly by members of most diplomatic corps with money raised from the event going towards the Harlen Hostel of the Gospel School for the Deaf in Samabula.
"I'm completely astounded by the performance," Ms Stevenson said.
"I think the creativity and the artistry, the athleticism showed a level of professionalism.
"It's moving the Oceania Centre forward in a different direction and a new chapter, a beginning — a really exciting beginning."
Ms Stevenson said LIFE showed the complexity of life and the different intricacies that one went through every day.
She pleaded with to the public to take advantage of public performances tonight and tomorrow night at the Japan-Pacific ICT Theatre.