In 2018 the Solomon Islands, in the South Pacific, hosted the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival, celebrating the country’s 40th anniversary of independence. On neighboring island states, the struggle for freedom continues, as West Papua   resists Indonesian occupation and the residents of New Caledonia still live   under French rule. In all Melanesian countries, residents face the common   challenge of climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to swallow both land and tradition. In this charged context, captivating performers are using   their talents to celebrate local culture and draw international attention to   their islands’ plight, with the hope of spurring international solidarity and   prompting collective action against the perils of a warming world.