Latest news with #BlackFaggot
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Critically Acclaimed Actor And Director To Helm Black Faggot
Press Release – The Court Theatre Fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in the cinematic triumph Tinā, powerhouse actor and trailblazing creative Anapela Polata'ivao takes the director's seat for Black Faggot — the fearless and hilariously unfiltered play making its debut at The Court Theatre this month. Audiences are in for a raucously funny and emotionally raw ride, as Polata'ivao brings her signature insight and fierce compassion to this landmark production by award-winning playwright and producer Victor Rodger. Black Faggot was born from a moment of painful clarity. After witnessing a group of young people marching in a Destiny Church rally against same-sex marriage, Rodger reflected, 'At least one of those kids will be gay and feeling quite wretched about himself.' From this, he penned a series of (mostly) comedic, sometimes heartbreaking monologues that capture the kaleidoscope of queer Pasifika experiences in Aotearoa. Characters range from a closeted, flamboyant Destiny Church member reluctantly marching against civil unions, to a staunch and unashamedly proud gay man; from a fastidious Samoan lover distressed over a stained bedspread, to an award-winning fa'afafine artist boldly unpacking the meaning behind her newest piece, Cracker Wanna Poly. With razor-sharp humour, fearless honesty, and deep cultural resonance, Black Faggot is funny, filthy, tender, and unflinchingly real. A breakout hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has enjoyed multiple sold-out seasons in New Zealand and Australia. This new production stars Gideon Smith (Grafted, Camp Be Better) and Court Theatre favourite Jake Tupu (Palu (Ē Toru), Fresh Off the Boat, O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua), promising an unforgettable experience packed with comic brilliance and heart. Anapela Polata'ivao is no stranger to telling powerful Pasifika stories. As a director, actor, and creative leader, she has long been a champion for Pacific voices on stage and screen. In 2024, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding service to the arts. Her recent role in Tinā — the debut feature film by Miki Magasiva — further cemented her status as one of Aotearoa's most compelling performers. Tinā, a love letter to Samoan culture and the transformative power of choral music, follows the journey of Mareta (Polata'ivao), a mother reeling from the loss of her daughter in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Taking a teaching job at a wealthy, predominantly Pākehā school, Mareta finds herself connecting with a group of students who, like her, are searching for healing. Her journey leads them all the way to the Big Sing National Choir Competition. Polata'ivao's performance was universally praised — a complex, emotional tour de force that anchored the film and underscored her extraordinary range. Now, with Black Faggot, she turns her focus to the stage once more, ready to deliver a production that is as provocative as it is profound.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Critically Acclaimed Actor And Director To Helm Black Faggot
Fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in the cinematic triumph Tinā, powerhouse actor and trailblazing creative Anapela Polata'ivao takes the director's seat for Black Faggot — the fearless and hilariously unfiltered play making its debut at The Court Theatre this month. Audiences are in for a raucously funny and emotionally raw ride, as Polata'ivao brings her signature insight and fierce compassion to this landmark production by award-winning playwright and producer Victor Rodger. Black Faggot was born from a moment of painful clarity. After witnessing a group of young people marching in a Destiny Church rally against same-sex marriage, Rodger reflected, 'At least one of those kids will be gay and feeling quite wretched about himself.' From this, he penned a series of (mostly) comedic, sometimes heartbreaking monologues that capture the kaleidoscope of queer Pasifika experiences in Aotearoa. Characters range from a closeted, flamboyant Destiny Church member reluctantly marching against civil unions, to a staunch and unashamedly proud gay man; from a fastidious Samoan lover distressed over a stained bedspread, to an award-winning fa'afafine artist boldly unpacking the meaning behind her newest piece, Cracker Wanna Poly. With razor-sharp humour, fearless honesty, and deep cultural resonance, Black Faggot is funny, filthy, tender, and unflinchingly real. A breakout hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, the show has enjoyed multiple sold-out seasons in New Zealand and Australia. This new production stars Gideon Smith (Grafted, Camp Be Better) and Court Theatre favourite Jake Tupu (Palu (Ē Toru), Fresh Off the Boat, O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua), promising an unforgettable experience packed with comic brilliance and heart. Anapela Polata'ivao is no stranger to telling powerful Pasifika stories. As a director, actor, and creative leader, she has long been a champion for Pacific voices on stage and screen. In 2024, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding service to the arts. Her recent role in Tinā — the debut feature film by Miki Magasiva — further cemented her status as one of Aotearoa's most compelling performers. Tinā, a love letter to Samoan culture and the transformative power of choral music, follows the journey of Mareta (Polata'ivao), a mother reeling from the loss of her daughter in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Taking a teaching job at a wealthy, predominantly Pākehā school, Mareta finds herself connecting with a group of students who, like her, are searching for healing. Her journey leads them all the way to the Big Sing National Choir Competition. Polata'ivao's performance was universally praised — a complex, emotional tour de force that anchored the film and underscored her extraordinary range. Now, with Black Faggot, she turns her focus to the stage once more, ready to deliver a production that is as provocative as it is profound.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Defying Destiny: Black Faggot Returns, Unapologetically Queer And Fiercely Relevant
Press Release – Elephant Publicity Black Faggot, the blazingly funny and politically charged play by award-winning playwright Victor Rodger ONZM, is making a timely return to the stage this June, this time with the longtime collaborator Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM in the director's chair. Transferring from the Court Theatre season Black Faggot is set to own the Rangatira stage at Q Theatre from June 25-29, continuing its powerful challenge of conventions and celebration of queer Pasifika voices. Black Faggot captures the diversity of queer Pasifika experiences through a series of (mostly) humorous monologues from a vast array of (mostly) gay Samoan characters. From a camp, closeted member of Destiny Church who finds himself on a march against the Civil Union Bill, to a butch Polynesian who is loudly and unapologetically gay; from an anal Samoan clean freak who's annoyed that his partner's just orgasmed on their brand-new bedspread, to an award-winning fa'afafine artist who relishes explaining the true meaning behind her new work 'Cracker Wanna Poly.' Victor Rodger weaves humour, hurt and humanity through a range of beautifully drawn characters all struggling to reconcile being gay, black, and part of mainstream New Zealand society. With cracking comic timing, this play is funny and filthy, raw and emotional and full of love. The cast, including Gideon Smith (Grafted, Camp Be Better) and Jake Arona (Dawn Raids, Fresh Off the Boat, O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua), promises to deliver an unforgettable production that reclaims the potentially derogatory label 'black faggot' as its own, pushing beyond it to reveal the comedy and drama of life where being gay and Samoan is merely a starting point — not the final word. Originally premiering at Auckland's Basement Theatre in 2013, Black Faggot was written in direct response to Destiny Church's now-infamous 'Enough is Enough' march on Parliament in 2004 and the 2012 protests against the Marriage Equality bill. As Rodger reflects: 'At the very, very least, one of those kids marching against the bill will be gay and feeling wretched about themselves as they grow up… Black Faggot is a response to that.' More than a decade on, the play remains painfully relevant, reflected in recent headlines that include: 'Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church Pride protests: Te Atatū witness describes terror inside library,' 'Destiny Church library protest 'intimidating and unacceptable' – police,' and ''Woke churches': Destiny Church bites back as church leaders condemn Pride protests.' For a generation of young queer people and their allies who didn't have the chance to see Black Faggot 12 years ago, and for those with lived experience over the last decade, this return gives voice to Pasifika queer communities that are still facing public backlash. 'It is my fervent hope that this brand-new production of Black Faggot brings comfort to those who need it and discomfort to those who need it,' says Rodger. Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Samoan) is an award-winning director and actor, known for her powerful storytelling and advocacy for Pasifika voices in the arts. She takes the helm for this landmark production following critical acclaim, including her performance in the cinematic triumph Tinā. With her signature blend of insight and fierce compassion, Polata'ivao breathes new life into this vital work, continuing her long-standing commitment to telling Pasifika stories with honesty and integrity. Victor Rodger ONZM (Samoan, Scottish) is one of Aotearoa's most daring and decorated playwrights. Born in Ōtautahi, Rodger is known for his bold, provocative works that explore race, sexuality, family, and cultural identity. His body of work includes Sons and My Name is Gary Cooper. Through his company FCC (Flow, Create, Connect), Rodger has championed new Pasifika voices and produced some of the country's most powerful and provocative theatre, including Wild Dogs Under My Skirt and The Savage Coloniser Show, both directed by Anapela. Black Faggot has resonated globally, with sold-out seasons in New Zealand, Australia, and at the Edinburgh Fringe. 'Turbo-charged hilarity of superior sketch comedy into a poignant and humane plea for tolerance…' — Sydney Morning Herald 'Their manner and style of presentation is engaging and infectious, and their ability to morph from one character to another — gay, straight, male, female — makes this a most entertaining piece of theatre.' — Dominion Post 'Presented with simplicity, humanity, utter conviction, and remarkable insight.' — Play Details Black Faggot Dates: June 25-29, 2025 Venue: Q Theatre, Auckland Book tickets at
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Defying Destiny: Black Faggot Returns, Unapologetically Queer And Fiercely Relevant
Black Faggot, the blazingly funny and politically charged play by award-winning playwright Victor Rodger ONZM, is making a timely return to the stage this June, this time with the longtime collaborator Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM in the director's chair. Transferring from the Court Theatre season Black Faggot is set to own the Rangatira stage at Q Theatre from June 25-29, continuing its powerful challenge of conventions and celebration of queer Pasifika voices. Black Faggot captures the diversity of queer Pasifika experiences through a series of (mostly) humorous monologues from a vast array of (mostly) gay Samoan characters. From a camp, closeted member of Destiny Church who finds himself on a march against the Civil Union Bill, to a butch Polynesian who is loudly and unapologetically gay; from an anal Samoan clean freak who's annoyed that his partner's just orgasmed on their brand-new bedspread, to an award-winning fa'afafine artist who relishes explaining the true meaning behind her new work 'Cracker Wanna Poly.' Victor Rodger weaves humour, hurt and humanity through a range of beautifully drawn characters all struggling to reconcile being gay, black, and part of mainstream New Zealand society. With cracking comic timing, this play is funny and filthy, raw and emotional and full of love. The cast, including Gideon Smith (Grafted, Camp Be Better) and Jake Arona (Dawn Raids, Fresh Off the Boat, O Le Malaga Fa'a'Atua), promises to deliver an unforgettable production that reclaims the potentially derogatory label 'black faggot' as its own, pushing beyond it to reveal the comedy and drama of life where being gay and Samoan is merely a starting point — not the final word. Originally premiering at Auckland's Basement Theatre in 2013, Black Faggot was written in direct response to Destiny Church's now-infamous 'Enough is Enough' march on Parliament in 2004 and the 2012 protests against the Marriage Equality bill. As Rodger reflects: 'At the very, very least, one of those kids marching against the bill will be gay and feeling wretched about themselves as they grow up… Black Faggot is a response to that.' More than a decade on, the play remains painfully relevant, reflected in recent headlines that include: 'Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church Pride protests: Te Atatū witness describes terror inside library,' 'Destiny Church library protest 'intimidating and unacceptable' – police,' and ''Woke churches': Destiny Church bites back as church leaders condemn Pride protests.' For a generation of young queer people and their allies who didn't have the chance to see Black Faggot 12 years ago, and for those with lived experience over the last decade, this return gives voice to Pasifika queer communities that are still facing public backlash. 'It is my fervent hope that this brand-new production of Black Faggot brings comfort to those who need it and discomfort to those who need it,' says Rodger. Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Samoan) is an award-winning director and actor, known for her powerful storytelling and advocacy for Pasifika voices in the arts. She takes the helm for this landmark production following critical acclaim, including her performance in the cinematic triumph Tinā. With her signature blend of insight and fierce compassion, Polata'ivao breathes new life into this vital work, continuing her long-standing commitment to telling Pasifika stories with honesty and integrity. Victor Rodger ONZM (Samoan, Scottish) is one of Aotearoa's most daring and decorated playwrights. Born in Ōtautahi, Rodger is known for his bold, provocative works that explore race, sexuality, family, and cultural identity. His body of work includes Sons and My Name is Gary Cooper. Through his company FCC (Flow, Create, Connect), Rodger has championed new Pasifika voices and produced some of the country's most powerful and provocative theatre, including Wild Dogs Under My Skirt and The Savage Coloniser Show, both directed by Anapela. Black Faggot has resonated globally, with sold-out seasons in New Zealand, Australia, and at the Edinburgh Fringe. 'Turbo-charged hilarity of superior sketch comedy into a poignant and humane plea for tolerance…' — Sydney Morning Herald "Their manner and style of presentation is engaging and infectious, and their ability to morph from one character to another — gay, straight, male, female — makes this a most entertaining piece of theatre." — Dominion Post 'Presented with simplicity, humanity, utter conviction, and remarkable insight.' — Play Details Black Faggot Dates: June 25-29, 2025 Venue: Q Theatre, Auckland Book tickets at
