ABs to samoa

I am not one to shed tears easily, if at all, however last night when I got home from work and checked Facebook, I was close to bawling my eyes out and my emotions ran high with so much joy because finally, the All Blacks had arrived at Faleolo Airport and Samoa welcomed them with open arms.  The only surprise that brought with it a huge smile on my face was that the All Blacks arrived in matching elei shirts which to me showed thought for where they were going and was a way of emracing Samoa in return.

To say now that I am excited is a huge understatement so with kick-off less than 12 hours away, the only thing left to do before I sleep is to calm down and say a prayer, first for all the Samoan babies born today, and this week for that matter, that the parents of these babies are kind with their names .. and second that the game is going to be streamed live so I am not completely miserable at work.

GO THE MANU!

the mau and the visitor

The Mau and the Visitor started back tonight for a second season which will run through till Friday.  If you did not see it in June then this week is your last chance!  Written and directed by Pulotu McCarthy, this stage production weaves the romance between Sina and a New Zealand police officer with Samoan history of the early 1900's, ending in the death of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III.

In June, I found the play to be a yoyo between funny and serious reflected in the best acting from Sam Iosefo (not in season 2, but do not let that put you off) who played Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III, as well as the writer and director himself who pulled off the excellent portrayal of a stumbling phlegm hoicking drunk Samoan!

The least liked part of the June production for me was that Sina's love interest (also not in season 2, but do not let that put you off either) seemed too old for her, or maybe she was too young for him .. either way, too hard for me to leave my judgmental goggles in the car on the apparent age difference.  And my most liked part was the high amount of Samoan dialogue throughout.  It was quite refreshing to see a Samoan play where there was more than the usual Samoan profanity here and there.

If I have not managed to convince you to get along to the Mangere Arts Centre for this show with my invigorating post then watch the Tagata Pasifika snippet below by Sanele Chadwick because after watching that even I want to go again!

This is me - Teine 'Afakasi.