Break The Cycle with Sons of Vao
Sons of Vao is not a celebration of Pacific Island culture, rather it displays the tragic complexity of the dark side of it. It is, however, a celebration for ATC’s main stage with a world premiere by a Niuean playwright, Vela Manusaute, who offers a personal act of forgiveness through his work.
Epine Bob Savea as Seki, Haanz Fa’ave-Jackson as To and Brett Taefu as Sau
The story follows three brothers, To (Haanz Fa’ave-Jackson), Seki (Epine Bob Savea) and Sau (Brett Taefu) growing up in Niue and New Zealand under the harsh rule of their father Vao (Beulah Koale). Forced to endure physical and mental abuse by their father they battle growing up and making the difficult choice on how and whether they can break the generational trauma passed down to them.
The content of the show is heavy and intense at times. It is important to note that it is inspired by playwright Vela Manusaute’s complex and complicated relationship with his father. So, this is one person’s experience growing up amid hardships and his journey towards forgiveness and his own future.
It is an uncomfortable truth that many Pacific Islanders have to confront: the harsh reality of the patriarchal and physically abusive traditions passed down through generations. The play also explores the pressure to appear ‘strong’ by not showing emotion or softness.
Beulah Koale as Vao
Visually the set design is simple yet striking. A square raised platform provides the stage for the show, with a circular almost sandpit like cut out in the centre. Koale’s performance as Vao almost entirely is contained in this space, isolated from the rest of the cast, as his sons are forced to run around and provide for him. While Vao has a myriad of props to aid in the narrative, the sons rely solely on miming and the clever use of lighting design to tell their story.
The play also heavily relies on narration, majorly from the perspective of eldest son To, resulting in a more ‘telling rather than showing’ narrative. This aspect can be rather endearing as it when the brothers are able to express their innermost feelings directly toward the audience. Particulary with To being the son with the big heart, the fiercest desire to break free and Fa’ave-Jackson’s loveable and energetic performance.
Haanz Fa’ave-Jackson as To
The show tackles the difficult dichotomy of family violence and the unbreakable bond of family. The disdain and hatred for the one abusing you, yet the undeniable bond and attachment to family that makes it almost impossible to remove oneself from. Expressed particularly in the ending where all three sons forgive their father in order to move on in their own ways.
Haanz Fa’ave-Jackson as To, Epine Bob Savea as Seki and Brett Taefu as Sau
It was clear four actors approached their roles with thoughtfulness and talent. Seemlessly being able to switch from comedic and lighthearted moments to serious and violent scenes in the flick of a light switch.
Epine Bob Savea as Seki, Haanz Fa’ave-Jackson as To and Brett Taefu as Sau
In the end, Sons of Vao, is a beautifully tragic story of the strength it takes to break generational cycles to choose love instead. Manusaute brings a brave and personal voice to the stage, that will hopefully inspire more young men to break the harmful cycle.
Book tickets here.
Beulah Koale as Vao
Gifted press tickets
Photo Credit: Andi Crown
