Mā was striking, original and alive.
Gushing audience members bobbed into their seats as nostalgic anthems like ‘Love Comes Down’ by Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King bounced through the theatre.
A Samoan Cinderella, Jonjon Tolovae, graced the stage in a gown that seemed to touch the floor, the ceiling and all four walls. She was as delicate as she was commanding; a manu and a mauga.
The oxygen in the room was infused with formidable alofa as gafa (genealogy) glided from Tolovae’s tongue to the audience’s ears. Her voice was like coconut cream filling a tray of sweet buns.
Dazzling poetry trickled and thundered. From “we love you” to “fuck off”, Tolovae was vivacious.
Alongside and often mirroring Tolovae was Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters. Together, they were a sizzling comedic pair scorching the earth with animated sighs and witty kalofaes.
A stirring audio recording of Tolovae and her mother having a confronting heart-to-heart played intermittently. This talanoa told of the raging, rippling nature of a mother’s love for her child while underscoring the way people strain for understanding, acceptance and belonging in their most intimate relationships.
Lologa-Peters further emphasised the tenderness and tension between mother and child through dynamic movement. He seamlessly transitioned from hard to soft textures with engaging precision and power.
In moments of quiet that prompted the audience to turn inward, a single spotlight shone on Tolovae’s spellbinding hands. Her graceful gestures were poignant inflections that elucidated the aching of someone who was “seeking but not sought”.
In the final act, the stage brightened as it was populated by new characters with shared experiences. They sang as a choir and seemed to create a version of home that embraced their many unique identities.
Tolovae and Lologa-Peters articulated a self-discovery that is embedded in communities. They sang, danced and recited a story of queer identity that unfolds in the context of family—given and chosen. Rousing artistry ensured this message was delivered to all senses with the utmost authenticity.
When the show was over, it wasn’t. Siva broke out! Cheehoos were abounding! Queer Samoans (we) were thriviiiiiiiiiing. xoxo
Mā
My girl
Kalofae
My girl
Aulelei
My girl
Mauga
