On arrival, I know little more than the basic facts: Sōsisi Tales is a show about three Tongan men, inspired by true events. The name itself suggests comedy – Sōsisi is the Tongan word for sausage. As the audience enters John Boy (played by Heinrich Muller) sits at a table centre stage, drinking a beer and waiting for someone. As the show begins, John Boy is joined by Tevita and Manase (Joshua Leota and Taniela Tukutukunga).

What follows is a pub crawl during which the boys catch up over a pint (or two), shoot their shots with the ladies (to varying success) and have a good time catching up. As the fun continues, the boys begin to have important conversations about accountability.

One scene that stands out is a stylised shadow boxing fight that erupts when tensions arise. However, at times the order of events are unclear, making it hard to know what happens when.

The show ends with Leota, Muller, and Tukutukunga preforming a Mako (dance), brilliantly tying the show together.

Sōsisi Tales explores very important themes such as misogyny, the concept of ‘boys will be boys’ and domestic abuse. Playwright Joshua Leota has woven these sensitive themes into the story with humour that leads to comedy being the show’s strength. However, it does feel like the show relies heavily on the comedic aspect and the serious themes could be explored further.

At the same time, it is also important to acknowledge that Sōsisi Tales explores themes that are rarely acknowledged in Tongan culture and merely having the conversation is extremely courageous. It is particularly refreshing to see these topics raised by Tongan men.

Leota, Muller and Tukutukunga prove they are all brilliant actors with fantastic chemistry and comedic timing. As a fellow Tongan, their characters feel familiar to me in a way that draws me in while making the serious moments even more confronting. This is particularly poignant when one of the boys mentions the fact that they only truly open up to each other while intoxicated.

Sōsisi Tales is an unapologetically Tongan show that utilises humour to discuss misogyny and breaking the cycle of abuse. This is a show that every islander—and Palangi—could benefit from seeing.

My congratulations to the cast and crew, Ofa ‘atu pe moe tapuaki.

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