Hilarious Niuean playwright publishes 'My Name is PILITOME'

Hilarious Niuean playwright publishes 'My Name is PILITOME'.

'My name is PILITOME', by Vela Manusaute, is being published in an anthology by Little Island Press Ltd, supported by Auckland Council. Little Island Press will be running an interactive public Talanoa programme featuring 'My name is PILITOME' at the Ōtara Library on Saturday 10th of June from 12pm to 1pm. The programme will include a live performance of a scene from the play. Playwirght Vela Manusaute will be attending the workshop.

The Talanoa Series is a collection of plays by five talented Pacific playwrights, that offer a refreshing perspective to the theatre community. Manusaute is behind many Pacific theatre successes including forming the Killa Kokonut Krew, being the first Niuean to graduate from the Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School. He also directed his own short film: 'The Messiah' this year. This will be the second time Manusaute has had his work published, however, this is his first Niuean creation.

'My name is PILITOME' is based on Filimoana who returns to his parents homeland for a hilarious journey of discovery – to reconnect with the land of Niue, his family and make peace with his ancestors. Manusaute says "This is a tribute to the land of Niue. As I've grown older, I've realised the importance of leaving something behind for my people. I'm trying to reconnect with where I'm from and who I am. The Niuean language is quietly disappearing and I'm trying to help revive our beautiful language. This play is a celebration of being Niuean - it's a physical comedy so any audience can understand the humour despite it being performed in Niuean."

The official Talanoa Series launch is on Thursday 8 June 2017 at Te Oro, invitation only. The four Pacific plays will be available for purchase post launch at retail stores.

Buy the book
RRP $35
9781887484346
http://littleisland.co.nz/books/talanoa-four-pacific-plays

About Little Island Press

Little Island Press is a community focused social enterprise based in Auckland, New Zealand. Its two directors Evotia Tamua and Tony Murrow are passionate about books and connecting communities.

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