The Auckland Arts Festival kicks off with a wildly energetic and provocative production written, performed and directed by Pacific Island Women.
Tusiata Avia's Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, which achieved international success as a one-woman touring show, has been skilfully re-imagined as an ensemble piece with highly polished production values.
The show offers a uniquely poetic perspective on the experiences of Samoan women that is as relevant today as it was when "piggy Muldoon" was a thing. Opening with a humorous comparison between corned-beef and cannibalism, the show presents a refreshing vision of Polynesian culture that clearly struck a chord with the diverse audience packing out Q's Rangatira theatre.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are addressed with delicacy and raw honesty and familiar stories of physical discipline are brought home without the over-used mask of humour.
Director Anapela Polata'ivao expertly weaves together contributions from an outstanding production team; Jane Hakaraia's set and Rachel Marlow's lighting create a stunning interplay of light and shadow that brilliantly reflects the shifting moods of Avia's poetry.
