MAY THE TRUTH SET US FREE
The Conch & PANNZ (Tour-Makers) present
A Boy Called Piano
Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
Written by Fa’amoana John Luafutu & Tom McCrory
Directed by Nina Nawalowalo (ONZM)
Following the successful 2022 release of the award-winning documentary film of the same name, A Boy Called Piano the stage show is embarking on a national tour to Pōneke Wellington, Dunedin Arts Festival in Ōtepoti, Ōamaru, Hawkes Bay Arts Festival in Te Matau-a-Māui, Ōtautahi Christchurch and Auckland Live in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from October 04, 2022. This is a rare chance for audiences across Aotearoa to experience the landmark production that has been described as “gripping, insightful and appeals to our humanity” (Theatreview, 2019).
Auckland 1963, three eleven-year-old boys meet in a cell in the Family Court. Two Māori and one Samoan: Wheels, Piwi, and a boy called Piano. Made wards of state, they are taken to Ōwairaka Boys' Home. There begins a story into the heart of darkness, abuse and pain but also the resilience of the boys as they seek to survive through the power of friendship, culture, music, and the light of the human spirit.
Growing from the award-winning collaboration of The White Guitar’s creative team, Pacific New Zealand theatre company, The Conch is proud to walk beside Fa’amoana John Luafutu and the Luafutu aiga as they courageously bring this true story of Fa’amoana’s experience in state care - alongside thousands of Māori and Pasifika children - into the light.
The Conch’s Artistic Director and Co-Director of A Boy Called Piano, Nina Nawalowalo (ONZM) says Fa’amoana John Luafutu is both a survivor and a master storyteller. “This is the first time the experience of those in state care has come directly to the New Zealand stage told by a man who lived it.”
Starring Fa’amoana himself with his son Matthias Luafutu together with Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd and the renowned Ole Maiava (in his much-anticipated return to the stage) - alongside a stunning score performed live by Aotearoa music legend Mark Vanilau.
“The story that was written in me, was the story of thousands of children…may the truth set us free.”
- Fa’amoana John Luafutu
A Boy Called Piano combines highly physical storytelling and breath-taking visual design - incorporating aerial and underwater photography from The Conch documentary film: A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu (Official Selection: New Zealand International Film Festival 2022 & Winner of Best Feature Documentary: Spring Edition, Montreal Independent Film Festival 2022).
“This isn't just a story about what happened in the past. In sharing his experience of being parented by the government, Fa'amoana John Luafutu with the skilled Tom McCrory have written a play that brings love and gives a voice to the voiceless.”
- Dominion Post
The Conch’s kaupapa is about harnessing the power of theatre as a force for social change, and the creative team is excited to be able to share this powerful work once again with Aotearoa. With tickets on sale now, don’t miss your chance to experience one of 2022’s unmissable theatrical events.
The Conch & PANNZ (Tour-Makers) presents
A Boy Called Piano
Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
PŌNEKE WELLINGTON
BATS Theatre
04 - 08 October
bats.co.nz
ŌTEPOTI DUNEDIN
The Regent Theatre
Part of Dunedin Arts Festival
13 October
dunedinartsfestival.co.nz
ŌAMARU
Oamaru Opera House
15 October
oamaruoperahouse.co.nz
ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH
The Piano
21 & 22 October
thepiano.nz
TE MATAU-A-MĀUI HAWKE’S BAY
Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre
Part of Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival
25 October
hbaf.co.nz
TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND
Herald Theatre, Auckland Live
27 - 29 October
aucklandlive.co.nz
*booking fees apply