BY TURNS MOVING, HYSTERICAL AND THOUGHT PROVOKING

Where We Once Belonged Directed by: Goretti (Letti) Chadwick & Anapela Polataivao Pacific Institute of Performing Arts at Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland From 4 Nov 2010 to 7 Nov 2010 Reviewed by Victor Rodger, 15 Nov 2010

Toi Whakaari and Unitec: you are on notice. I have seen the future of drama schools. It is fresh. It is brown. It is glorious. Im talking about the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (P.I.P.A) diploma graduation production of Where We Once Belonged at the Mangere Arts Centre. From their original base in Mangere to their current headquarters at Unitec, P.I.P.A have quietly become a force to be reckoned with in the space of THREE short years. Though they have been a well kept secret for many within the industry, that secret is now well and truly out with their landmark production of Where We Once Belonged, which boldly and defiantly announces them as a serious player on the drama school scene. The play originally adapted by Dave Armstrong from Sia Figiels seminal novel for Auckland Theatre Company is essentially a free-wheeling portrait of life in Samoa as told through the eyes of our adolescent narrator, Alofa, moving from the market to the church, from Alofas first (period) blood to her first love and featuring a host of characters from her best friends Lily and Moa to the doomed village mad woman, Siniva. Its a colourful piece, bursting with life; wonderfully familiar to those who know this world and a charming revelation to those who dont.

The original debuted to critical acclaim at the Wellington International Festival of the Arts in 2008 and had a subsequent season in Auckland. But under the wonderfully assured direction of original cast member Goretti Chadwick, this Where We Once Belonged is a completely different experience: richer and somehow more alive. Not just because of the sheer cast size (fourteen as opposed to the originals five) but because of the remarkable way Chadwick (with co-director Anapela Polataivao) has managed to inspire her talented cast to perform as an ensemble in the truest sense of the word. To paraphrase Alofa: there is no I, only we and the same applies to the actors here. Though there are scene stealers to be sure, theyre only ever stealing scenes they should be stealing and never at the expense of a fellow actors time to shine. (Full disclosure: Chadwick is a close friend and appeared in my last play, My Name is Gary CooperHome page to see other Reviews, recent Comments and Forum postings (under Chat Back), and News. . But as she knows along with everyone else who knows me high praise does not tumble forth lightly from my mouth). With great fluidity and seeming ease the large cast essay a number of roles to tell us the story of Alofa and of Samoa itself and how both experience growing pains. Production values are top notch across the board, from the simple yet effective set and lighting by Sean Coyle to the music (provided by certificate students Aisea Latu, Neville Niulesa and Pene Jnr Ueta). The choreography largely devised by the students themselves is a delight. The quibbles are minor: a couple of students play to the floor instead of to us; one lets her hysteria get the better of her and the rhythm of the Siniva sequences decidedly serious moments compared to the bulk of the play is sometimes tricky. Yet these are all easily forgiven because Where We Once Belonged is that rarest of beasts: a genuine delight from start to finish, performed with sustained and infectious energy by a cast who are clearly having a good time. The audience on opening night was nothing less than rapturous. In a strong field of actors Suivai Autagavaia is a terrifically assured Alofa, Litea Aholeles raw energy as Alofas BFF Moa is a joy to behold and Mario Faumui shows great comic timing in his various roles. Ironically the show is almost stolen by the casts lone paleface, Casey Treen, who is part Cook Island. His Irish priest, market stoner and taunting child characters are all wonderful in themselves but the delivery of his Samoan lines as a disdainful villager threatens to bring the house down. Special mention must also be made of Nastassia Wolfgramm as Siniva. Its arguably the most difficult role in the play and she pulls it off. By turns moving, hysterical and thought provoking, Where We Once Belonged deserves to have another life. If it comes to a town near you, make sure you go. Its hands down the best drama school graduation show Ive ever witnessed and, in a stellar year for Auckland theatre which has included highlights such as August: Osage County, A View From the Bridge, Mojo and Cabaret, its also the single most enjoyable piece of theatre Ive seen.

Malo P.I.P.A!