Auckland Theatre Company Media Release:
A Frigate Bird Sings
Award-winning actors and members of the Naked Samoans Dave Fane and Shimpal Lelisi reunite to star in Auckland Theatre
Company's powerful production of the landmark Samoan New Zealand play, A FRIGATE BIRD SINGS, which opens Thursday 11
October, at the Mangere Arts Centre.
"A Frigate Bird Sings is a landmark in New Zealand theatre. You want to see pride in action, go see this"- Listener
Written by two of New Zealand's most popular and respected media personalities, Dave Fane and Oscar Kightley, and
directed by Alison Quigan, A FRIGATE BIRD SINGS is a funny, moving and a celebration of difference.
"Kightley and Fane have written a classic of New Zealand theatre."
- NZ Herald
Following the sudden death of her beloved mother, fa'afafine Vili is now the lady of the house. But looking after her
rugby mad brother Sione and their devastated father takes its toll on lonely Vili.
On K-Road she finds friends, fun and even the possibility of love. But when Vili brings her new friends home for the
first time the family she cherishes spirals out of control.
A richly human drama, A FRIGATE BIRD SINGS is a timely call for tolerance for all cultures.
"Six men, one stage, heartbreaking themes" says co-writer Dave Fane, who plays the role of Kapili, the father.
Director Alison Quigan, who previously directed Fane in Auckland Theatre Company's THE TWITS, says "I am very excited to
work with Dave Fane again, especially on A FRIGATE BIRD SINGS, which he co-wrote with Oscar Kightley.
The heartfelt story of Vili, a Fa'afafine in South Auckland, will be new to many in our community. But the pain and
loneliness of being different is one that many of us can relate to. This is a beautiful story where one person seeks to
belong and to become the person they are meant to be." adds Quigan.
A FRIGATE BIRD SINGS is an honest, heartbreaking account of the immigrant experience from a Pacific Island perspective.
Tickets can be purchased from Auckland Theatre Company on 309 3395.
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