ON GOD
'ON GOD' IS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF SIX DEGREES FESTIVAL 2024, SUPPORTED BY TE HERENGA WAKA—VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON. IT PROVIDES PATHWAYS FOR STUDENTS FROM THE MASTER OF FINE ARTS (CREATIVE PRACTICE) IN THEATRE TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL THEATRE MAKERS.
‘ON GOD’ follows the journey of Nafanua, the Samoan goddess of war, and Jesus, the Son of God, as they oversee humans on earth living through their trials and tribulations. Different ideals and personal grievances mean that Nafanua and Jesus are constantly at odds with each other. Will they find a way to work together, or will the world as we know it continue to suffer?
This new development show investigates Pasifika spirituality in both pre-colonial and modern contexts. Investigating religion through a modern lens, from the introduction of Christianity to the current generations finding their connection to faith in a society becomin increasingly more secular. Audiences will bear witness to a slew of powerful narratives that will tug at their hearts, inspire them to ask some hard questions and laugh the evening away. Spanning genres from comedy, contemporary and traditional dance to naturalistic drama, this show is supported by a wide genre of old-school and contemporary music, performed by some of the best emerging young Pasifika talent Wellington has to offer.
Content Warning
Profanity & Loud Noises. Use of haze. Recommended for viewers 13+.
The Thursday 25th performance will be filmed for personal archival purposes. Please check with the Box Office if you require more information.
The Āiga of ‘ON GOD’
Crew
Writer, Director & Sound Co-Designer - Kaisa Fa’atui
Producer - Taylor-Rose Terekia
Production Manager - Hannah Taylor
Stage Manager - Olivia Cowley
Lighting Designer - Josiah Matagi
Costume Designer & Construction - Hellena Fa’asili
Composer and Sound Co-Designer - Ete Reupena
Marketing Designer, Photographer & Videographer - Havea Latu of Vain Creative
Cast:
Luz-Eliana Folau-Tovine: Vaimoso, Leauva'a - Samoa & Hakupu - Niue
Tasman Kaitara: Onotoa, Tamana, Marakei - Kiribati & Fakaofo - Tokelau
Kasi Valu: Ma'ufanga, 'Eua, Lapaha - Tonga
Tamia Filipo: Fakaofo - Tokelau & Vaitupu - Tuvalu.
Maurea Perez-Varea: Nukunonu, Rotuma - Tokelau
Justice Tavita Kalolo: Ulutogia - Samoa
Kimiora Honeycombe: Ngāti Manawa - Māori
Seiyan Thompson-Tonga: Ngāti Mahuta - Māori & Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro - Cook Islands
Special Thanks to Dr. Nicola Hyland, Prof. David O’Donnell and the VUW Theatre staff for their supervision and support, Regan Taylor for his mentorship support and to the dedicated community of our family, friends and arts community that donated to our Boosted campaign. Fa’afetai lava x
