Sons of Vao

What does it mean to forgive? Spanning four decades, from village life in Niue in the 1970s to the suburbs of Ponsonby, this award-winning play follows the three brothers’ struggle to break free from their father.
 
Vao is charming, handsome, ambitious. To his three sons, he is a god. But he carries rage in his fists and danger in his eyes. This complicated character will be portrayed by the phenomenally talented Beulah Koale (Samoa: Sala’ilua, A’ele. Tuvalu: Nanumea), star of Silo Theatre’s A View From The Bridge.
 
It’s an uplifting coming-of-age story, as Seki, To and Sau emerge into adulthood, each affected by their father in different ways. 
 
This play is directed by stage and screen legend Anapela Polata’ivao ONZM (Samoa: Vailoa Faleata, Vaiusu, Fagae’e Safune), who recently starred in the hit movie Tinā and directed acclaimed productions including Silo Theatre’s A View From The Bridge and for Auckland Theatre Company, Things That Matter and Red, White and Brass. Audiences can expect Pasifika excellence on stage: one of our nation’s finest directors, searingly stunning writing and virtuosic performances from four extraordinary actors. 
 
A world premiere, Vela Manusaute’s (Niue: Mutalau, Hakupu) autobiographical Adam NZ Play Award-winning script is deeply personal. This is meaty and meaningful theatre that will leave a lasting impact on its audience.