‘We’re headed to the 09’: New play brings Christchurch’s Pacific talent to Auckland

A new Christchurch theatre show is set to bring some of the South Island’s best Pacific talent to Auckland audiences.

Lota Nu’u is a popular Samoan pese (song) that speaks of standing strong in your identity and culture and the play

The play, which shares the same name, is based on the life of its writer and director, Albany Heperona Seumanutafa Peseta, who went through adversity to understand his true purpose and calling in life.

“Lota Nu’u is one of the most well known hymns in Samoa, and it talks about being grateful where we come from.

“With my story, at an age when I left home I forgot about a lot of things, the sacrifices our parents made and still make to this day. Going back home and the relationships you have with your siblings as well, not realising the effect absence can have.

“So Lota Nu’u was the right name to call it, so no matter where you go north, south, east and west, home is always the best.”

Peseta’s wife Lesieli who is part of the stage crew, says having her husband's story is something “worth telling” to audiences on stage.

“It’s a story that takes you through the emotions of being Pasifika. It talks about how your family is there for you regardless.

“It reminds me of many of our Pacific stories when we leave home and forget about home sometimes, but returning back home is so important for us.

“That’s the important message (of this play) and sometimes we forget where home is. It’s a story worth telling.”

The show has already had viewings in Christchurch, and was attended by Pacific creatives from the Sau E Siva theatre company, who invited the Lota Nu’u team to perform their play up north.

Albany says performing in Auckland is a reflection of many collaborations with Pacific creatives around the country.

“I think collaboration around the country is so important these days, I think Auckland has always set the bar. But now we’re slowly seeing academies and dance groups collaborating in cities and that’s huge!”

Peseta says the play has opened doors for the Pacific community in Christchurch to come together, and be proud of their culture.

“Obviously in Christchurch it’s harder for a brown fulla to get gigs to get acting roles. But I’ve always wanted to start something up here for our Pasifika people.

“Opportunities here are limited, so what better way to get our own stories up and get our children and community involved.”

He says for the young people involved in the production, the lessons about unity and togetherness echo through their preparations.

“We wanna give kids in Christchurch thinking being an actor isn’t a career, or that you can’t go to a business that is Pasifika oriented, can sustain or do well.

“It’s been a blessing seeing these kids grow in confidence especially in our culture and using our language. That’s the rewards of this whole process, yes we can sing and tell a story.

“But it’s the fellowship and connections that you make.”