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“LOVE
HANDLES” – COMEDY BY ARNETTE ARAPAI |
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Courtesy of The Lijan |
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“Love Handles” is a comedy
with tragically doomed characters, making it an emotional journey
with people whose lives are controlled and limited by their own
sense of obligation, loyalty and pride.
It is a story that holds strong, the premise that explores people
handling different types of love, from unconditional love, innocent
love, romantic love, to foolish love.
Written by Auckland playwright Arnette Arapai, “Love Handles” is the
story of Pacific Island mothers - “and how they love to emotionally
blackmail their daughters into staying at home until they’re 50
years old….. It is a generational story that will appeal to a broad
audience and it is a story that will be important to the young as it
is for the older generation.” Arnette says.
“The play is testament to all Pacific Island girls and their
unfailing devotion to their mothers. As in, put your Mum ahead of
your husband and don’t even think about leaving home. And if you do,
make sure you have enough room in your new house for your mother as
well.”
In “Love Handles”, the sharp-witted and acerbic Losa has settled
into retirement. She’s relishing the time she can now spend with her
daughter, Luisa, and is counting down the days until her beloved
grandson, Tasi, returns home from his ministry studies and becomes a
minister.
Regarded as a pinnacle of success in the community for
single-handedly raising her daughter and grandson, Losa is sure that
one day she will die smiling and blessed.
However, she gets a rude awakening when things don’t go her way.
This is Arnette’s debut play, written with the support of a grant
from the Pacific Arts Committee of Creative New Zealand. She worked
with experienced playwright and actor David Fane (Bro Town, The
Strip) to develop the script.
“For a first time playwright she has given us a great new voice to
listen too.... The setting and theme of the story that she has
chosen was of a truly epic nature. Arnette has succeeded on all
counts.”, David says.
Over the past 10 years, Arnette has developed her interest in
Pacific Island theatre and film, being an avid supporter, assisting
and attending various productions. |
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"Love Handles" the debut play by Arnette Arapai, directed by
Vela Manusaute with cast including Anapela Polataivaofosi, Ana
Tuigamala and Stacey Leilua.
(Photo: Angela Gribben) |
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“Love Handles” is a black comedy about lonely-heart spinsters
and their die-hard manipulative mothers, recently staged at the
Maidment Studio.
(Photo: Angela Gribben) |
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With a cast and crew that have a variety of looks, cultural
backgrounds and life experiences including Tamati Te Nohutu and
Jenni Heka-Beazley.
(Photo: Angela Gribben) |
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In September 2003, she took
part in a workshop for Pacific writers, organized and hosted by the
Pacific Arts Committee of Creative New Zealand. “That’s when I
decided to get serious, finish writing ‘Love Handles’ and make sure
it was staged in 2005,” Arnette says.
“Love Handles” is a black comedy about lonely-heart spinsters and
their die-hard manipulative mothers, recently staged at the Maidment
Studio, University of Auckland. “Love Handles” is directed by Vela
Manusaute (Bro Town, Children of the Migration, The Taro King).
With a cast and crew that have a variety of looks, cultural
backgrounds and life experiences.
• Vela Manusaute, the director, and Anapela Polataivao (cast member)
are graduates from NZ Drama School.
• Ana Tuigamala and Stacey Leilua were in Albert Wendt's play that
was staged at the NZ International Festival of the Arts.
• Tamati Te Nohutu (Tamati Rice) has had a lot of theatre and screen
experience with work on Vertical Limit, The Piano, Xena: Warrior
Princess, and The Songmaker's Chair.
• Jenni Heka-Beazley has just returned from Sydney, Australia, with
two kids in tow, to play the main protagonist in the play. Her
experience includes Rapa Nui, Plainclothes, and The Taro King.
For media enquiries, contact The Lijan.
Frelimo ‘Ilolahia mobile: 021 294 2365; Jaunnie ‘Ilolahia email:
onpoint247@hotmail.com
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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