WHERE WE ONCE BELONGED
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From the novel by Sia Figiel Adapted for the stage by Dave Armstrong Directed by Goretti Chadwick and Anapela Polataivao at Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland From 4 Nov 2010 to 7 Nov 2010 Glen Eden Playhouse, Auckland From 23 Aug 2012 to 26 Aug 2012 Fortune Theatre, Dunedin From 8 Oct 2012 to 11 Oct 2012 Reviewed by: Victor Rodger; Poppy Haynes; Barbara Frame (Otago Daily Times); Terry MacTavish; |
PIPA - Pacific Institute of Performing Arts, Diploma Year Two Students present their GRAD SHOW - Where We Once Belonged, by Sia Figiel, adapted for stage by Dave Armstrong.
Where We Once Belonged won a Chapman Tripp theatre award for best new New Zealand Play in 2008.
Samoa is independent; CHARLIE'S ANGELS has arrived in the fale; and Alofa's life will never be the same again.
From the author of NIU SILA and THE TUTOR, Dave Armstrong, comes this emotionally charged adaptation of Sia Figiel's spirited and fiercely written Commonwealth Prize winning novel.
WHERE WE ONCE BELONGED is a hilarious, moving and heartfelt tale of desire and self discovery. It is an unflinchingly honest, poetic and often wildly funny coming-of-age story set in 1970s Samoa.
Alofa, Lili and Moa are typical teenage girls. They tease the local boys, misbehave at school and worship Charlie's Angels. But there is a darker side to Alofa's life. She struggles to win the acceptance of her unforgiving family.
As young Alofa Filiga navigates the mores and restrictions of village life, she begins to come to terms with her own changing identity and the price she must pay for it.
4 Nights only!!!
4th – 7th November
Mangere Arts Centre
Tickets $10 Student, unwaged (community services card) and $15 Adult
Bookings at Mangere Arts Centre (09) 2625789 - or call PIPA (09) 8157486 for more information.
NOTE: Content not suitable for children
2012 season
Where We Once Belonged is a moving yet hilarious stage adaptation by Dave Armstrong from the 1994 Commonwealth Prize-winning novel by Sia Figiel, Samoa's first female novelist. Part of Going West Festival 2012, it is directed by Goretti Chadwick and Anapela Polataivao.
This wildly funny and unflinchingly honest coming-of-age story is set in 1970s Samoa, where young Alofa navigates life in her village as she comes to terms with her own changing sense of identity and the price she must pay for it.
Sixteen beautiful and talented young Pasifika performers from the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts brilliantly recreate the Samoan village of Malaefou, where teenage girls gossip, dream about their weddings, tease boys, misbehave at school and worship American TV shows like Charlie's Angels. But within this seemingly idyllic life, lie dark issues of family violence, religion and colonisation.
Told with a passion and vitality only a young cast can bring, Where We Once Belonged is an unforgettable singing, dancing, drumming, laughing, crying-out-loud, warts-and-all celebration of Pacific life.
This adaptation won Dave and Sia the 2008 Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Best New New Zealand Play.
“By turns moving, hysterical and thought-provoking, Where We Once Belonged deserves to have another life. If it comes to a town near you, make sure you go” - Victor Rodger, theatreview.org.nz Nov 2010.
Please note: This play contains some material, including sexual references and domestic violence, that may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age.
When: 23-26 August
Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 August, 8pm
(Friday 24 August includes a forum afterwards)
Sunday 26 August, 4pm
Running time 80 minutes – no interval.
Where Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre, 15 Glendale Road, Glen Eden
Cost: $17.50-$28
Booking details: Book online at Eventfinder (service fees apply)
Tickets are also available by calling Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 ext 42 8617 or emailing Going West
OTAGO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2012 season
Fortune Theatre
8 – 11 October, 7.30pm
Starring: Pacific Institute of Performing Arts – Diploma Year Two Students
Set Design: Sean Coyle
Costume Design: Sara Taylor
Musika: Pacific Institute of Performing Arts - Certificate Students
2012 Credits:
CAST
Alofa - Suivai Autagavaia
Moa – Litea Aholelei
Lily – Joanna Mika Toloa
Uncle Asu – Paul Fagamalo
Filiga – Sanele Savea (Aleni Tufuga for the Otago performances)
Sisifo and Fa'afafine Clerk – Mario Faumui
Tausi – Loretta Aukuso
Pisa and Miss Cunningham – Melissa Banse
Siaosi – Beni Morrison
Lealofi – Joshua Tamatea Ah-Hi
Siniva – Nastassia Wolfgramm
Ministers Wife and Mrs Samasoni – Elaine Tipi
Mr Brown – K C Throne Myers
Minister – Aisea Latu
Villagers – Troy Tuua and Militini Vaotogo
Musicians: Sefa Taouma, Italia Hunt, Aisea Latu
Design – Sean Coyle
Producer – Caroline Armstrong, Armstrong Creative
Technical Operator - Sean Coyle