1, 2, and 3 Drama attended the play O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai

On Tuesday 19th March, Forty-four students from Levels 1, 2, and 3 Drama attended the play O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai by Natano Keni and Sarita So at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. This was an Auckland Theatre Company production, and students were lucky enough to receive this as a fully funded opportunity. 

 O le Pepelo is a darkly comic theatre play set in Sāmoa’s not-so-distant past about the fa’a Sāmoa. Using both Gagana Sāmoa and English, O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai | The Liar, the Thief, and the Coward is a tale of a proud Ali’i who suddenly falls gravely ill and refuses to name a successor, so his daughter and son become rivals for the title.

 The play resonated with students who could relate to many of the themes in this powerful production which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. For many of the Samoan students in particular, this was the first time they had seen their own culture and language featured on stage which made the experience even more commanding. There was something for everyone in this play, the themes are universal. Head of Drama, Ms Abagil Parsons described it as ‘phenomenal’, adding ” I feel everyone should go and see it to open their eyes to the perspective of Pacific Island peoples moving to NZ and the impact this has on themselves, their family and culture. The staging of the show was so inventive and engaging - I would definitely watch it more than once”

 One of the highlights was seeing our own Onehunga High School alumni Ana Corbett play the chief's daughter in the show. Students’ had the opportunity at the end of the performance to have a Q&A session with the actors as well as meet up with Ana for some photos! 

 Students have the option to study this play for their external exam this year.