I don’t like to blow my own trumpet but Red, White and Brass made me so proud to be Tongan.
Yes, the hit film released last year starring the talented John-Paul (JP) Foliaki as Maka is now on stage and currently playing out at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland.
Rewind back to the film
I was in tears during the opening scene of the film when Maka was dancing on the roof of a house to the song Happy, Happy Tonga. This was no ordinary movie, it made history. Finally an original Tongan/New Zealand story is on the big screen. It made me māfana (Tongan for inner feeling of warmth) because it had a lot of heart and it showcased Tongan pride.
Fastfoward to the stage
The same thing happened again; I was emotional (aaaue!) sitting amongst a diverse group of people but mostly Tongans who came dressed in their number ones – ta’ovala & kiekie. It was the first time I’ve witnessed an audience cheer mālie! sing along to the hymns and even waved the Tongan flags during the show. Yup only Tongans do that lol one of the lines I remember was “you Tongans are always a bit extra” and that is absolutely correct cos when we are māfana we go 100.
High note!
Mālō ‘aupito to the creative team Leki Jackson-Bourke, Vela Manusaute and Anapela Polataivao et al. who told the story and weaved in our lea faka-Tonga. Another reason to be māfana as our native tongue was as loud as a trumpet echoing in a place not often heard in. I’ve seen Shakespeare’s King Lear at this theatre and that is a whole different dialect and world but I tell you what Red, White and Brass hits differently.
Standing ovation
The thespians deserve a round of applause! The amazing cast were marvellous! It was a treat having the same Maka from the film now belting out some smooth vocals, epic dance moves and straight up funny one liners. Some of the original actors Haans Fa’avae Jackson, Mikey Falesiu, Onetoto Ikavuka have joined JP Foliaki for the live show – and proving their ability to work on both on screen and theatre scene. We even have a live Tongan brass Maamaloa Brass on stage just to make things even more authentic – I love that!
But right now though you can march on over to the play by booking using the link below:
Get your tickets here.
