AloFA follows the story of son Niko (Iaheto Ah Hi) who returns to Samoa after 25 years away. During that time, Papa (Uelese Petaia) has been cared for by another son Lome (Ali Foa’i), and a granddaughter Alofa (Atutahi Potaka-Dewes) has been born.
AloFA is a tale of how lies and secrets as a result of adherence to culture and religion can have a long lasting effects on multiple generations. The saying “the truth will set you free” is apt. There are a couple of unexpected plot twists, and a lot to unpack.
Writer and director Fiona Collins took on a massive undertaking in bringing aloFA to life. Petaia was both frail and nimble and brought real mana to the role of Papa. Foa’i excelled in his comedic timing, and his singing voice was marvellous. Potaka-Dewes delivery of Alofa was a breath of fresh air and her story was immediately relatable to the younger audience members due to clever scripting. Ah Hi was captivating in his role, and the transformation he undertook as he settled back into island life was powerful and moving.
Papa’s prayer during the bedtime scene was a particularly poignant vignette, and the simple lighting by way of a lantern added to the intimate moment.
The dialogue was punctuated with some pure comic genius, and provided plenty of opportunities for the cast to fully explore the range of their character’s emotions from delight through to complete despair.
The set was perfectly suited to the black box theatre environment. At times it felt as though the audience was part of the wider family watching the story unfold. At one point the audience joined the cast in song, and towards the end the audience’s grief was palpable.
Hamilton is fortunate to have aloFA on during Te Wiki o te Reo Maori as the play showcases the importance of keeping language alive, and in turn, celebrating culture. The blend of traditional and contemporary language was clever, and although I may have missed a couple of in-jokes, I felt privileged to view this profound portrayal of Samoan family life.
AloFA has a confronting and thought provoking storyline that is tactfully delivered by the outstanding cast. Take tissues, and go on a 90 minute journey like no other to village life in modern day Samoa.
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