black faggot

The Court Theatre, Christchurch | 17 May – 14 June. Bookings here 

 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 next 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.