Samoa Mo Samoa
22/03/2011 - 26/03/2011
Production Details
AN EXPLOSIVE EVENT IN SAMOA HISTORY – A STORY WITH A PERSPECTIVE THAT CANNOT BE FOUND IN BOOKS AND BEGGING TO BE TOLD
MANGERE ARTS CENTRE – NGA TOHU O UENUKU – 22 MARCH – 26 MARCH 2011:
Le Mau Production Team debuts its exciting new play Samoa mo Samoa, in a work that captures a time of colonial rule versus a nation upholding its people, culture and way of life, a small nation that refused to be silenced. From the vision of one man (Lauaki) to the explosive sacrifice of another (Tamasese) in the tapestry of what was Samoa is unravelled in Samoa mo Samoa.
From the local community Obed Unasa has sought and brought together like-minded individuals with a passion for Samoa to tell a piece of history. As a producer Obed was inspired by his grandfather who was part of the Mau movement in which he and a small group advised General Richardson on Samoan culture and matai traditions. Obed saw universal themes from the struggles which are relevant for today’s Pacific Island people in New Zealand – and courage is one of them.
With his passion and courage to get this project underway, he enlisted the creative team of playwright Jeanie Tualima to deliver a thought-provoking play with director Edward Peni (Actor: The Crucible, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Clockwork Orange and many more). The ensemble cast is littered with young dynamic actors of Pacific descent ready to stamp their mark on the thespian arena.
Like all community projects, it has been created with no budget and through love; passion and drive, Obed and his team bring you a slice of history with professionalism and commitment.
Samoa mo Samoa
March 22nd to March 26th
7:30 pm
Mangere Arts Centre – corner of Orly Drive and Bader Drive – Mangere.
Phone (09) 262 5789 or email mangereartscentre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for bookings.
ADULTS – $15
GROUP PASS – (5 people plus) – $10
STUDENTS – $7.50
Lauaki Namulaulu Mamoe Hans Masoe
Quan Li Henry Hung Li Cheng
Taisi Olaf Frederick Nelson Adam Samu
Solomone Kopano Simanu
Saito Raymond Leaia
Mata'afa Valentino Maliko ,
General Richardson Phil Brooks / Glen Pickering
Officer Worthington Ben Legg
Officer Harriman KC Throne Myers
Ala Lealofi Nastassia Wolfgramm
Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III Samson Chan-Boon
Lt. Colonel Stephen Allen Rohan Glynn
Creative Arts team:
Lighting Technician - Mark de Jong
Love, passion and conviction
Review by Nick Bakulich 04th Apr 2011
The curtain was drawn last Saturday [26 March] on a one week season of the short play called Samoa Mo Samoa, produced by the Le Mau Group and performed at the new Mangere Arts Centre.
The play is based on the famous and historical non-violent Mau Movement of Samoa. Characters include the Movement’s leaders and members of the then governing New Zealand administration.
The intimacy and closeness of the stage to the audience was a perfect setting as young actors Samson Chan-Boon and Nastassia Wolfgramm depicted their characters of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III and Ala Lealofi respectively, with much distinction well beyond their youthfulness.
An energetic cast made for intense viewing as attendees were treated to pieces of moving singing. The story of love for his wife and that of the passion and strong conviction that Tupua Tamasese had for his people was well potrayed by Chan-Boon and his colleagues.
Finally, as we all know it, Tupua was shot dead. The scene came to a halt. Silence. And then much sorrow. You would have thought the cast had occupied audience seats, only to realise that most Samoans amongst the audience were able to shed tears as if they were there that dark day in Samoa’s history.
In true Pacific fashion the audience was led in an impromptu singing of ‘Ua faafetai’ to thank the cast and the production team by one of its own sons, the local MP Su’a William Sio, as the curtain closed one final time.
A wonderful play, Samoa Mo Samoa is a real tribute to this amazing story of peace and humanity, seeking to overcome a regime that inflicted a crime for which only recently the people of Samoa have been given an apology.
_______________________________
For more production details, click on the title above. Go to Home page to see other Reviews, recent Comments and Forum postings (under Chat Back), and News.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
Comments