THE HEART OF A FATHER
The Full Story
In 1976, a Tongan father and his family fled Auckland’s brutal Dawn Raids to end up in the southernmost city they could travel to in Aotearoa; Invercargill. However, 14 years later the trauma still lingers, along with imminent challenges in their hometown. 'The Heart of a Father' is a beautifully unique story inspired by true events that explores the impact of the Dawn Raids through the relationship between father and son – restoring lost identity and breaking the power of shame and fear over a family’s future.
The Project
The main goal of this project was to provide a safe avenue to Talanoa with people within our own community (Marlborough) who were impacted by the Dawn Raids. We envisioned this would provide an opportunity for people who were affected in some way from 1970's Dawn Raid event to heal from their experience.
As a part of the project research for scripting, one interviewee story inspired the basis of the play alongside multiple experiences of other people who have been affected by what happened during the 1970's. With a successful turnout and overwhelming response from the Marlborough Audience, the real challenge was taking this story to Murihiku (Invercargill) where our story interviewee was raised. This project has healed many viewers and participants as well as the creative team behind the scenes. It was great honor for Fua to present this original theatre piece to all the hardworking Father figures out there. Mālo e ngaue li'oa.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
