A Bold New Pasifika Show Premieres At Basement Theatre

A weaving of contemporary storytelling and Pasifika mythology, Tafatolu pulses with rhythm, bringing forth a fierce and funny celebration of friendship, identity and love. Marking the directorial debut of Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tūhoe; Magiagi, Papase’ea - Samoa), Tafatolu is a high-energy show for the whole family with live music, physical theatre and poetry, inspired by the traditional Samoan theatre form of Fale Aitu. Stories passed down by tupuna, tuaā, and fanga-kui return here with new heat and heartbeat.

When best friends Tautai and Maau’s stubborn refusal to change stirs trouble across the realms, their mischief draws the gaze of powerful presences: Nafanua - goddess of war. Fiapoko - god of knowledge. Fa’ataualofa - god of love. And just like that, the duo are flung into a world beyond theirs, where the two must reckon with who they are, where they come from, and what it means to grow, all beneath the watchful eyes of the gods.

With musical direction and original composition by Ahikāroa’s Lijah Mavaega (Ulutogia, Manono, Vailuutai, Vaovai - Samoa) co-founder of theatre collective No. 3 Roskill and longtime collaborator of Pacific Underground, Tafatolu moves with sound as much as story. Mavaega also takes the stage alongside Lologa-Peters, with fellow collective members - Josephine Mavaega (Ulutogia, Manono, Vailuutai, Vaovai - Samoa), Tristin Katoa (Makaunga, Tataka Mo Tonga, Loto Neifu, Vava'u - Tonga) and Nētane Taukiuvea (Felemea, Tu-anekivale - Tonga) - with dramaturgy from Wheke Fortress’ Fuimaono-Tuimafuiva Falesātaua Joshua (Mush) Iosefo (Salani, Lalomanu, Palauli, Apolima - Samoa; Alofi, Liku - Niue) and costume design from JonJon Tolovae (Saleimoa, Vaigaga, Avao, Tanugamanono - Samoa; Avatele - Niue).

Crafted with soul and driven by the community, Tafatolu is made to be shared. Bring the tamariki. Bring the cousins. Bring the whole aiga. The music’s loud and the gods are watching.

Tafatolu plays:

12 – 16 August 2025, 8pm

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland

$30 standard // $20 concession

https://basementtheatre.co.nz/whats-on/tafatolu

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