Plantation, which is showcased as part of the Pacific Arts Summit, offers a lively example of the exuberant South Auckland arts culture that is flourishing in the hot-house environment of the Mangere Arts Centre.
The play presents a fresh take on some of the well-established themes of contemporary Pacific art as it alternates between nostalgic memories of nurturing life in a Samoan taro plantation and the more difficult task of sustaining families in a harsh urban environment.
The play is written and directed by screen star Iaheto Ah Hi (Sione's II - Unfinished Business, Matariki) who brings a distinctly filmic quality to the story-telling. The drama juxtaposes impressionistic scenes from Samoa and South Auckland which slowly reveal the interwoven backstories of the main characters.
The contemporary drama focusing on domestic turmoil shows a sharp ear for naturalistic dialogue but the play also delivers some rich poetic language in the descriptions of the taro plantation and physical theatre devices are used effectively to convey meaning in Samoan language scenes.
The strongly drawn, idiosyncratic characters are brought to life by a three-person cast playing multiple roles while live music, dance and song give an appealing pace and rhythm to the show.
