(Picture caption: Featuring a strong Samoan cast of performers, O le Pepelo, le Gaoi ma Le Pala’ai – The Liar, the Thief and the Coward is part of the Kia Mau Festival in Wellington.)
A challenging and gripping tale of family, leadership and letting go will showcase at Wellington’s Circa Theatre, from June 14-17.
I Ken So Productions is premiering its new work, O le Pepelo, le Gaoi ma Le Pala’ai – The Liar, the Thief and the Coward, which brings a powerhouse of Samoan performers together at the Kia Mau Festival – a biennial, contemporary Māori, Pasifika and Indigenous arts festival.
Written by Natano Keni and Sarita So, the duo and founders of I Ken So Productions bring their biggest most ambitious show to Kia Mau Festival smashing together Samoan traditions, language and movement, the sacred and the profane.
Gagana Samoa features in this work, a timely tribute to Samoa Language Week recently celebrated in Aotearoa as well as the annual Samoa Independence celebrations on June 1.
Referring to his own experiences, Natano says the work explores past cultural traditions and modern ideals of a Samoan family in crisis
“Existing in two worlds, living in Aotearoa but from a strong Samoan upbringing, then how do we keep the balance as we forge ahead on the path that we are going,” Natano adds.
O le Pepelo, Le Gaoi Ma Le Pala’ai’, ‘The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward is set in a not-so-distant past Samoa, where Pili Sā Tauilevā a proud Ali’i (high chief) from the village of Moa has suddenly fallen ill sending him into a fast downward spiral, leaving him unable to tend to his duties within the family, church and village itself.
In a sacred paradise where “your path to leadership is through service” Pili’s dwindling light sends the family into overdrive to keep the fire going - but nothing plays out as expected when others come out to join the race.
Natano also directs under the mentorship of Pacific Theatre and screen icon, Maiava Nathaniel Lees, fresh from directing the critically acclaimed season of Court Theatre’s Appropriate.
Film director Tusi Tamasese (One Thousand Ropes, The Orator) is the script advisor, and Tupua Tigafua (Stage of Being, Ciggie Butts in the Sand) also contributes also as choreographer, with set design by Toni De Goldi and Mark McEntyre of G.O.M Collective (Appropriate, Dawn Raids).
Visit the Circa Theatre website to purchase tickets.
Also showing at the festival, for one night only on June 10, is Avaiki Nui Social - a prestigious celebration of a pastime rooted deeply in the lifestyle and people of the Cook Islands.
In the centre of Aotearoa, a gathering of musicians from across the 15 islands of the Cook Islands will heat up the stage of the Michael Fowler Centre.
A collection of treasured musicians will bring their instruments to the stage - from the community halls, family homes, backyard gatherings and garage parties, this special night of Cook Islands String Bands tells the story of Te Moana Nui a Kiva.
Creative Producer of Avaiki Nui Social Miria George says the creativity of our people is in our blood - it is in the extraordinary and in the ordinary of our every day.
“Our creativity can be witnessed in our carving, weaving, painting - in our writing, composing and our performance.
“Avaiki Nui Social celebrates the creativity of our musicians, of those who are born into the strings and whose lives have been fuelled by the music.
“We have called upon our storytellers, our theatre makers to join us in creating an unforgettable night.”
'Avaiki Nui Social features a handful of our most legendary musicians including Faipoto Aporo, Pania Apolo, Tupou Apolo, Jarome, and more to come.
Musicians are joined by storytellers Tuaratini and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama, filmmaker The Raro Dog, choreographer Te Hau Winitana and theatre makers Taungaroa Emile, Poe Tiare Tararo, Teherenui Koteka, Roy Iro and Mīria George.
The adornments, hand crafted treasures and culinary delights of the islands will also be on offer.
Visit the Ticket Master website to purchase tickets.
The Kia Mau Festival is on in Wellington from June 2-17, 2023.