Mā: A performative ‘love letter’ to motherhood and chosen families

A new poetic production exploring the intricacies of love, motherhood, and finding safe spaces is being presented at Auckland’s Q Theatre this week.

As we celebrate our rainbow, queer, fakaleiti, and takatāpuhi communities during Auckland Pride Month, Pride Elevates features Jonjon Tolovae and her debut show, Mā.

Set against the backdrop of diasporic Sāmoan life, Mā reflects on the intersectionality of queer identity and the nurturing essence of motherhood.

Tolovae, an original member of No.3 Mt Roskill Theatre Company, dedicates her new work to her mother and interweaves expressions of aiga filifilia (chosen family).

In a social media post, Tolovae says Mā honours the “bonds that sustain us in moments of connection and care”.

“Mā is a celebration and an affirmation of those who exist between the vā of masculinity and femininity when we speak of fa’afafine and fa’atama.

“It’s a love letter to my mother as well as a love letter to my chosen family,” Tolovae says in the video as she places her hands over her team members Lijah Mavaega and Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters.

“Tender. Bold. Unmissable. Because Family - whether blood or chosen - is the place where stories begin and grow together.”

Production members Flo Akauola (Tonga/Sāmoa/Canada) and Joshua Iosefo (Sāmoa/Niue), also known as Mush, joined Tofiga Fepulea’i on 531pi’s Island Time to discuss the journey of bringing Mā to life.

Mā is the final installment in a trilogy of debut theatre shows presented by Auckland Pride this month. The trilogy includes What Happened to Mary-Anne? written and performed by Brady Peeti and Body Story by Xin Ji.

The initiative aims to showcase Auckland-based writers and performers from diverse ethnicities and creative backgrounds and help them launch their independent careers.

Mush, the dramaturg for Tolovae and Mā, says it has been a journey of discovery - individually and collectively.

“It's about exploring what love can do in terms of motherhood, in terms of holding ourselves as family, as chosen family.

“Looking at all of the different aspects. the textures. and colours of motherhood, and what that means to us, to Jonjon.”

The rest of Mā’s production team includes producer Kasi Valu, music director Mavaega, performer Lologa-Peters, Sammy Salsa as costume designer, and cultural adviser Jake Tupu.

Akauola, a musician for the show, refers to Jonjon as ‘mother’ - a term of endearment and respect for a leader or influential figure within the queer, drag, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

“I am on this beautiful piece of work as a musician, as a son, and a brother. A son to Jonjon Tolovae, my chosen family. That’s my mother.”

As with any production, the days before opening night are typically intense, filled with fine-tuning and last-minute touches.

Akauloa says preparation has been hard work but adds there is excitement about performing for their audiences.

“Shout out to all the mums, matriarchs, and to the motherly figures for holding us.

“So special, in regards to this show, and the time that we’re in, the nurturing and growing that we continue to experience with our mothers and also with each other.”

Mā is playing at Auckland’s Q Theatre from 25 February-1 March. Tickets are available here.