TARO KING

Written by Vela Manusaute
Directed by Vela Manusatue and Anapela Polataivao
Produced by Kila Kokonut Krew

at Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland
From 15 Aug 2012 to 24 Aug 2012

Reviewed by: Johnny Givins; Sharu Delilkan (Theatre Scenes - Auckland Theatre Blog);

The Kila Kokonut Krew are celebrating 10 years of being the leaders of Pacific theatre in Aotearoa with the play that started it all, Taro King – a comedy / drama written by Vela Manusaute.

Taro King is set in a local supermarket in South Auckland, prized as being the supermarket with the highest turnover in taro sales. In 2002, the Fijian coup, led by George Speight, and the ban on all trading between Fiji and New Zealand had a major effect on the flow of taro coming into the port of Auckland. This sudden shortage of taro to the locals of Otara was harsh; however none felt the severity of the situation more so than the employees at Taro King supermarket, whose livelihood was unexpectedly put at risk.

Filipo is a taro cutter and works out back in the docks with Raju. Their day-to-day routine of cutting taro and answering to the 'Indian man at the top' is getting to Filipo. He begins to question the means of his existence in his mundane life at the supermarket. He dreams of breaking through the glass ceiling – that one day he and his family will move away from South Auckland, away from the troubles that loom ahead.

Where: Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku,
Corner Orly Avenue & Bader Drive, Mangere
15-24 August 2012 – 7.30pm
(opening nigh booked out)

All Ages

Ticket Information:
Adult: $20.00
Concession: $18.00
Child 12 yrs and under: $5.00
Grps 6+: $15.00
Matinee: $15.00
Booking fees may apply

CAST
Filipo Aleni Tufuga
Raj Alvin Maharaj
Sammy Vela Manusaute
Lavinia Stacey Leilua
Moana Nora Aati
Pua Troy Tu'ua
Ricky Suli Moa Fanamoa
Vegi Albert Mateni
Aiga Anapela Polataivao
Sofia Katerina Fatupaito
Ben Andy Sani
Sefo Leki Bourke
DJ Glen Jackson

Set Design by Sean Coyle