Fierce, furious and fabulously unforgiving, we’re proud to premiere the hugely anticipated stage adaptation of Tusiata Avia’s blistering poetry collection.
Following on from the internationally triumphant production of Tusiata Avia’s Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, FCC theatre company brings to ferocious life the acclaimed writer’s The Savage Coloniser Book, for which she became the first female Pasifika poet to take out the Ockham Award for poetry.
Under the artful direction of the equally formidable Anapela Polata’ivao, Avia’s unapologetic examination of race and racism is full of bold humour, courage and lacerating truths: where red-sequinned dusky maidens train their sights on James Cook, Samoan school girls play an innocent game of patty-cake as they describe the atrocities on Nauru, and a Tour Guide offers instructions on how to be in a room full of white people. The Savage Coloniser Show is theatre that is as provocative as it is necessary – and a red-hot Festival ticket you should fear missing out on.
“With characteristic savage and stylish wit, Avia holds the word-blade to our necks and presses with a relentless grace. At the end, you’ll feel your pulse anew.” — Selina Tusitala Marsh, NZ Poet Laureate
Audience warnings
The content of this show touches on important but difficult historical societal themes such as colonisation, slavery, genocide, sexual abuse and racism. Suitable for ages 14+. Contains strong language.
Commissioned by Auckland Arts Festival
Supported by Creative New Zealand & Foundation North
Written by: Tusiata Avia
Director: Anapela Polata'ivao
Producer: Victor Rodger for FCC
