Naked Samoans Reunite for One Show Only

MEDIA RELEASE
20 OCTOBER 2009

Naked Samoans Reunite for One Show Only

Critically acclaimed theatre troupe, The Naked Samoans are coming out of retirement for a special one-off performance of their ‘Go Home’ show to raise money for those affected by the recent tsunami in Samoa.

The Naked Samoans, which consists of performers David Fane (bro’Town, Outrageous Fortune, Diplomatic Immunity) Robbie Magasiva (Shortland Street, Sione’s Wedding, The Tattooist), Oscar Kightley (bro’Town, Sione’s Wedding, Arts laureate; NZOM), Mario Gaoa (bro’Town, Diplomatic Immunity, Sione’s Wedding), Shimpal Lelisi (bro’Town, Sione’s Wedding, Tagata Pasifika) and Jerome Leota, will reunite for their one-off show on Saturday, 7th November at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE.

The team, who have not performed together in almost two years, all have friends and family who have been seriously affected by the devastation in Samoa. Coming out of hibernation to perform this show is their way of giving people one last chance to witness the comic genius of the Naked Samoans, while at the same time, raising money for those affected by the disaster. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to the Oxfam Tsunami Appeal.

“We’ve decided to put our differences aside, and come together for this cause,” says Magasiva. “We all know people who have been affected by the disaster in Samoa, so this is a way for us to help out. It’s one night only, so come and check it out.”

The Naked Samoans Go Home is supported by Emirates Airline and proudly presented by THE EDGE who is providing the venue, all the lighting and sound, and their staff are giving their time freely so that all the funds raised will all go to the appeal.

Based on a true story, but mostly lies, Naked Samoans Go Home features the crazy array of characters and brilliant physical comedy that have become the trademarks of The Naked Samoans.

Travelling from a hot Samoan tourist resort to that other Pacific hotspot - their Auntie's house in South Auckland - Naked Samoans Go Home finds Sione moving from Samoa to New Zealand to follow a promising rugby career, and desperate to buy his five brothers their ticket to "paradise".

Emirates’ manager for New Zealand the Pacific, Chris, Lethbridge, said the airline was pleased to support the fund-raising attraction.

“Emirates has had an ongoing relationship with Samoa through its sponsorship of the Samoa Sevens side,” he said. “In turn, we have been well supported by the Samoan community, many of whom choose Emirates when travelling across the Tasman.

“Assisting with this show is a meaningful way of recognising those special ties at a time when both sympathy and help is very much needed.”

Tickets for the one-off show can be purchased from THE EDGE at www.buytickets.co.nz or the Box Office and are available for the special price of $20.* (*Service fee of $2 will apply if purchasing via Box Office)

The Naked Samoans Go Home; 7th November at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre at 8pm.

ENDS

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