Waikato Performers Fighting Discrimination with Comedy

What is racist and what isn’t? Are things getting better or worse? And why do people keep confusing Antony for Benny (and vice versa)?
These are the questions asked by Waikato-based theatre collective TAHI TA’I TASI in their musical-comedy Spot the Difference.

Devised and performed by Antony-Paul Aiono and Benny Marama, Spot the Difference tells the story of two Pasifika performers amid devising a show about casual racism, who find themselves a part of their own story. Featuring original songs and terrible choreography, Spot the Difference has enjoyed sold-out audiences over two separate seasons in Hamilton. “The response and support that we’ve had in the Waikato has been beyond phenomenal,” says co-deviser/performer Benny Marama. “Not only have audiences enjoyed our performances, but the show’s themes have provided an outlet for discussion, especially surrounding race and what constitutes racism.”

With a season at the 2017 Hamilton Fringe Festival and a brief development season under their belts, Marama and fellow co-deviser/performer Antony-Paul Aiono are on the cusp of their Wellington premiere at BATS Theatre. “Every time I’m in Wellington, I make sure to at least see one show there. It’s like my home away from home, so it’s incredible that we get this opportunity to perform at a space as iconic as BATS.” Aiono adds, “Wellington is uncharted territory for us, so we’re excited about seeing the response that our show will get.”

Aiono and Marama have also been approached by several Waikato secondary schools to perform their show (as well as host a discussion afterwards). Aiono says, “There was an opportunity to engage with an audience that we never thought we would relate to: teenagers.” Marama continues, “Talking to them afterwards, it’s great to have an open dialogue about race and what it means to be an ally to other minorities. It’s important to address the insidiousness of casual racism, but also let them all know that it’ll only get better with more understanding.”

Spot the Difference premieres at BATS Theatre on the 9th of October 2018 and runs until the 13th of October. Tickets are available from bats.co.nz or by calling (04) 802 4175.
There will be a special student’s night on the 10th of October. Tickets for students will be $12 (upon presenting a valid student ID).

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