Latest news with #Sione'sWedding
Buzz Feed
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Oscar Kightley Interview — Voices Of The Pacific
BuzzFeed: Sione's Wedding is one of my favorite Pacific Islander films of all time. The movie has certainly cemented its place in pop culture — Duck Rockers for life! Did you know when you were writing it that it would turn out to be such a big hit? Do you have any favorite behind-the-scenes memories during those days of filming? For many of us in the US, Sione's Wedding was one of the first times we saw ourselves represented in film, so it still holds such a special place in our hearts! I especially appreciated how you portrayed Albert because he was a bit nerdy like me. What connected you to that character? Have you ever faced challenges in your career as a Pacific Islander? If so, how did you overcome them? When I look at your incredible career, from the Naked Samoans to bro'Town to your films, it's clear that you often combine Pacific Islander representation with comedy. Why is that important to you? You've appeared in several Taika Waititi movies, including Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Next Goal Wins. How would you describe him as a director? For Pacific Islanders, there are so many aspects of our cultures that we hold close to our hearts, from our foods to our dances to our tattoos. What's your favorite part of your culture? Do you have a favorite Samoan food? We touched on this earlier, but you actually got your start in show biz through theater. You've formed several Pacific Islander theater companies and written numerous plays, including Dawn Raids. The play raises awareness of the racist New Zealand police raids that targeted Pacific Islanders in the '70s and led to deportations and widespread fear throughout the community. Can you speak to your personal experiences that informed the play? In addition to your writing, you're politically active in your daily life. You've encouraged people to vote, joined your local board, are involved with the Pacific Islander organization Cause Collective, and were present during the New Zealand government's apology for the dawn raids. As far as activism goes, what's your proudest moment? You were appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for your services to television and theatre. What did that recognition mean to you? What do you want your legacy to be, and how do you hope future generations will remember your contributions to Pacific Islander history? What advice do you have for young Pacific Islander creatives? And finally, what does being Pacific Islander mean to you? Thanks for chatting with us, Oscar!
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Naked Samoans Add One-Off Show At Q Theatre
Press Release – 818. Last seen on stage together in 2018, their much-anticipated return reunites best mates Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Mario Gaoa, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi in a dark comedy of denial, miracles and community service. The Naked Samoans have added a one-off performance at Q Theatre's Rangatira on Wednesday May 28 at 8pm, after selling out their 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival season before the curtain even comes up on The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans. Tickets are on sale now for what is rumoured to be the legendary comedy troupe's last-ever show, ever, probably. Last seen on stage together in 2018, their much-anticipated return reunites best mates Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Mario Gaoa, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi in a dark comedy of denial, miracles and community service. The Naked Samoans collectively launched a new era of popular culture in Aotearoa with comedic taonga like award-winning animated seriesbro'Town (Best Comedy, NZ Screen Awards 2005, 2006 and 2007) and two smash-hit Sione's Wedding movies. Over the past three decades, the incredibly busy sextet have voiced blockbuster characters, broken cinema box-office records, become international stars, documented contemporary Pacific life on stage and screen, been elected to public office, and received impressive acronyms like ONZM. Recent credits among the group include Disney's Moana and Moana 2, Fox series Rescue Hi-Surf, Miki Magasiva's NZ box-office smash TINĀ, Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, Apple TV+ series Time Bandits, HBO Max's Our Flag Means Death, and Celebrity Treasure Island. 'I've been trying to get us together again for years but nobody would turn up,' Robbie Magasiva laughs. But a well timed call from the comedy festival, a miracle of scheduling and a spark of an idea made The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans a rare reality. 'I stumbled across some vintage footage of the Naked Samoans recently and wondered if it would be possible to get them out of retirement for our 30th festival,' says the NZ Comedy Trust's Festival Producer, Jay Law. 'So I asked, and somehow they agreed.' 'No matter what else we're up to, our favorite thing to do is the Nakeds on stage,' says Oscar Kightley. 27 years after their comedy fest debut in Naked Samoans Talk About Their Knives, the laughter from the rehearsal studio comes as readily as ever as the six friends create a fresh story threaded with their signature slapstick, satire, social commentary, and crack-up new characters. The Naked Samoans insist this will be their last show together, as their careers, families and schedules pull them in different directions. Whether that remains true, the surprise extra performance at Q's Rangatira on May 28 promises to be a coming-together of community, with friends of the Naked Samoans contributing to make it memorable. Best Foods will be on site giving away free jars of their legendary mayo. MOQ1 have come to the party with a Naked Samoans merch store. And everyone who buys a ticket to Q performance of The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans before 11:59pm on Friday May 24 goes into the draw to win a delicious pre-theatre, two-course dinner for two at Metita, curated by leading Samoan chef Michael Meredith.** More surprises are expected on the night. **Winner will be drawn and informed on Saturday May 25, and the voucher (worth $120, plus free parking at Sky City) must be used at Metita before May 31, for a Pacific-inspired pre-show meal between 5-6pm. Tickets: Premium $50. GA $40. Concessions $35 for Seniors, Students, Groups 8+, Community Services Card holders, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Port and Factory Workers. Service fees may apply. Booking links and more information: – 09 309 9771 – 305 Queen Street, Auckland Content warning: This show could contain strong language, comic violence, irreverent themes, traces of nuts, dubious pronunciation and illegible English.
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Naked Samoans Add One-Off Show At Q Theatre
Press Release – 818. The Naked Samoans have added a one-off performance at Q Theatre's Rangatira on Wednesday May 28 at 8pm, after selling out their 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival season before the curtain even comes up on The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans. Tickets are on sale now for what is rumoured to be the legendary comedy troupe's last-ever show, ever, probably. Last seen on stage together in 2018, their much-anticipated return reunites best mates Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Mario Gaoa, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi in a dark comedy of denial, miracles and community service. The Naked Samoans collectively launched a new era of popular culture in Aotearoa with comedic taonga like award-winning animated seriesbro'Town (Best Comedy, NZ Screen Awards 2005, 2006 and 2007) and two smash-hit Sione's Wedding movies. Over the past three decades, the incredibly busy sextet have voiced blockbuster characters, broken cinema box-office records, become international stars, documented contemporary Pacific life on stage and screen, been elected to public office, and received impressive acronyms like ONZM. Recent credits among the group include Disney's Moana and Moana 2, Fox series Rescue Hi-Surf, Miki Magasiva's NZ box-office smash TINĀ, Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, Apple TV+ series Time Bandits, HBO Max's Our Flag Means Death, and Celebrity Treasure Island. 'I've been trying to get us together again for years but nobody would turn up,' Robbie Magasiva laughs. But a well timed call from the comedy festival, a miracle of scheduling and a spark of an idea made The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans a rare reality. 'I stumbled across some vintage footage of the Naked Samoans recently and wondered if it would be possible to get them out of retirement for our 30th festival,' says the NZ Comedy Trust's Festival Producer, Jay Law. 'So I asked, and somehow they agreed.' 'No matter what else we're up to, our favorite thing to do is the Nakeds on stage,' says Oscar Kightley. 27 years after their comedy fest debut in Naked Samoans Talk About Their Knives, the laughter from the rehearsal studio comes as readily as ever as the six friends create a fresh story threaded with their signature slapstick, satire, social commentary, and crack-up new characters. The Naked Samoans insist this will be their last show together, as their careers, families and schedules pull them in different directions. Whether that remains true, the surprise extra performance at Q's Rangatira on May 28 promises to be a coming-together of community, with friends of the Naked Samoans contributing to make it memorable. Best Foods will be on site giving away free jars of their legendary mayo. MOQ1 have come to the party with a Naked Samoans merch store. And everyone who buys a ticket to Q performance of The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans before 11:59pm on Friday May 24 goes into the draw to win a delicious pre-theatre, two-course dinner for two at Metita, curated by leading Samoan chef Michael Meredith.** More surprises are expected on the night. **Winner will be drawn and informed on Saturday May 25, and the voucher (worth $120, plus free parking at Sky City) must be used at Metita before May 31, for a Pacific-inspired pre-show meal between 5-6pm. Tickets: Premium $50. GA $40. Concessions $35 for Seniors, Students, Groups 8+, Community Services Card holders, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Port and Factory Workers. Service fees may apply. Booking links and more information: – 09 309 9771 – 305 Queen Street, Auckland Content warning: This show could contain strong language, comic violence, irreverent themes, traces of nuts, dubious pronunciation and illegible English.
Scoop
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Naked Samoans Add One-Off Show At Q Theatre
The Naked Samoans have added a one-off performance at Q Theatre's Rangatira on Wednesday May 28 at 8pm, after selling out their 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival season before the curtain even comes up on The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans. Tickets are on sale now for what is rumoured to be the legendary comedy troupe's last-ever show, ever, probably. Last seen on stage together in 2018, their much-anticipated return reunites best mates Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Mario Gaoa, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva and Iaheto Ah Hi in a dark comedy of denial, miracles and community service. The Naked Samoans collectively launched a new era of popular culture in Aotearoa with comedic taonga like award-winning animated seriesbro'Town (Best Comedy, NZ Screen Awards 2005, 2006 and 2007) and two smash-hit Sione's Wedding movies. Over the past three decades, the incredibly busy sextet have voiced blockbuster characters, broken cinema box-office records, become international stars, documented contemporary Pacific life on stage and screen, been elected to public office, and received impressive acronyms like ONZM. Recent credits among the group include Disney's Moana and Moana 2, Fox series Rescue Hi-Surf, Miki Magasiva's NZ box-office smash TINĀ, Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, Apple TV+ series Time Bandits, HBO Max's Our Flag Means Death, and Celebrity Treasure Island. 'I've been trying to get us together again for years but nobody would turn up,' Robbie Magasiva laughs. But a well timed call from the comedy festival, a miracle of scheduling and a spark of an idea made The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans a rare reality. 'I stumbled across some vintage footage of the Naked Samoans recently and wondered if it would be possible to get them out of retirement for our 30th festival,' says the NZ Comedy Trust's Festival Producer, Jay Law. 'So I asked, and somehow they agreed.' 'No matter what else we're up to, our favorite thing to do is the Nakeds on stage,' says Oscar Kightley. 27 years after their comedy fest debut in Naked Samoans Talk About Their Knives, the laughter from the rehearsal studio comes as readily as ever as the six friends create a fresh story threaded with their signature slapstick, satire, social commentary, and crack-up new characters. The Naked Samoans insist this will be their last show together, as their careers, families and schedules pull them in different directions. Whether that remains true, the surprise extra performance at Q's Rangatira on May 28 promises to be a coming-together of community, with friends of the Naked Samoans contributing to make it memorable. Best Foods will be on site giving away free jars of their legendary mayo. MOQ1 have come to the party with a Naked Samoans merch store. And everyone who buys a ticket to Q performance of The Last Temptation of the Naked Samoans before 11:59pm on Friday May 24 goes into the draw to win a delicious pre-theatre, two-course dinner for two at Metita, curated by leading Samoan chef Michael Meredith.** More surprises are expected on the night. **Winner will be drawn and informed on Saturday May 25, and the voucher (worth $120, plus free parking at Sky City) must be used at Metita before May 31, for a Pacific-inspired pre-show meal between 5-6pm. Tickets: Premium $50. GA $40. Concessions $35 for Seniors, Students, Groups 8+, Community Services Card holders, Teachers, Bus Drivers, Port and Factory Workers. Service fees may apply. Booking links and more information: - 09 309 9771 - 305 Queen Street, Auckland Content warning: This show could contain strong language, comic violence, irreverent themes, traces of nuts, dubious pronunciation and illegible English.
RNZ News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Two decades on from bro'Town: Oscar Kightley with new gen comedians Joe Daymond and Bubbah
The mid 2000s were groundbreaking times for New Zealand stage and screen works from artists of Pacific Island descent. The Naked Samoans, with Elizabeth Mitchell brought us hit animated TV comedy series bro'Town in primetime. Film Sione's Wedding and its sequel followed, and were huge, while Toa Fraser's drama No.2 debuted at Sundance. Back in the theatre, groups like the Laughing Samoans and Kila Kokonut Krew were breaking barriers and taking their work overseas. All this before social media even existed - and when being on primetime television was a really big deal At the NZ International Comedy Festival in May the Naked Samoans will reunite for the first time in seven years. They join a new generation of makers and comedians. So on Culture 101 we thought it a good time to talk about what's changed, with a panel. Sieni Leo'o Olo (best known as Bubbah) is a Samoan comedian who started in theatre with Massive Company and, by the Covid years was performing her own show My Ode to South Auckland for gold-coin entry in her backyard (it went on to the Basement Theatre). She's become more widely familiar on screens from Comedy Central's Sis , Taskmaster , the Tiktok friendly I Got You and as the delightful Tina from Turners in the car auction ads. Hailing from Wainuiomata and of Fijian and Māori descent, Joe Daymond is no longer - as he's often been called- a rising star in our standup comedy scene. He's played the Sydney Opera House and Hollywood Comedy Store and has just finished a massive national tour ahead of a 10 date five state tour of Australia in May. And finally, one of the six Naked Samoans: Oscar Kightley. Born in Apia, raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, Kightley is a journalist, presenter, director and actor who was made a member of New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009.
