New South Auckland theatre show is set to 'Pring It On'

Rising Pacific artists have their “spirit fingers” on the pulse for the South Auckland arts community.

Newly established theatre company, Strictly Brown co-founders Leki Jackson Bourke and Saale Ilaua have launched into business with a world premiere of their show - Pring It On.

It’s a reimagined Pacific twist on the teen-comedy cheerleading movie franchise Bring It On (2000) and is the launching project for Strictly Brown. Pring It On follows the trials and tribulations of Penina Toleafoa, a NZ-Born Samoan in her last year of school who auditions for the Samoan Cultural Group, challenges the status quo all while navigating love and haters.

Photo/Coconet

Speaking on PMN Samoa, Saale Ilaua says the storyline is like behind-the-scenes preparation for Polyfest.

“I think (with) all the references and us jamming it on the floor, it’s just so funny. We’re doing a lot of throwbacks where we remember certain quotes from different movies and certain slang we’d use from back in the day.

“This is like an ode to all the tutors from the Polyfest community as well. If you’ve ever been involved in Polyfest through your schooling life, you need to come and watch the show ‘coz you will get it.”

Tough decisions were made as Jackson Bourke and Ilaua decided to leave full-time work and throw all their dedication into starting up their business.

Jackson Bourke says despite backlash he had faith in the almighty.

“I guess I can summarise it in two easy words - God’s plan. We just had to be obedient and submit and walk into the unknown. Not be afraid and not be scared.

“Everyone came left right and centre with all their opinions … all these excuses and it’s easy to listen to noise, but we knew in our hearts we had to do this and just trust that we could pull something off.”

Ilaua said after reading through the script idea with his co-director he knew it was a point of difference for the theatre space.

“It’s also for people who aren’t from that community or who’ve not experienced Polyfest and it could be an eye-opener. That’s an insight into our little world and they can come and be a part of that as well. It’s so inclusive.”

Find tickets here for Pring It On, playing for five nights only at Māngere Arts Centre from January 31, 2024.