Stunning New Play From The Conch

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Stunning New Play From The Conch Tells True Family Story Featuring Hip Hop Artist Scribe

Written and performed by Malo Luafutu (Scribe), Matthias Luafutu and John Luafutu Directed by Nina Nawalowalo and Jim Moriarty
With creative producer Tom McCrory and script consultant Oscar Kightley

Renowned hip-hop star Scribe features with his father John and brother Matthias in a stunning new play telling the true story of his Christchurch family – the Luafutus.

Directed by Nina Nawalowalo and Jim Moriarty, The White Guitar has a preview season at Hannah Playhouse in Wellington from 1-5 September ahead of the world premiere season at Christchurch Arts Festival from 10-13 September.

A powerful and vital work, co-written by three members of the Luafutu family, The White Guitar traces the line of creative power at the heart of a family from its roots in the gifting of a white guitar to their grandmother in the Samoan village, to the collision of the migrants’ dreams with the harsh realities of 1950’s New Zealand. It follows a harrowing path – a man’s journey from boyhood innocence into the heart of darkness; through violence, drug addiction, prison and gangs, to the possibility of hope, healing and inspiration.

“I represent the 1000 souls who never made it this far” - Scribe

With the intensity of a live gig, music pumps through the story’s veins, from the first songs of a grandmother sung to her white guitar to the power of rock 'n' roll, the beats of hip-hop and church hymns.

Scribe (real name Malo Luafutu) is one of New Zealand’s best-known hip-hop artists with a platinum-selling album and APRA Silver Scroll Award to his name. He has collaborated wuth his actor brother Matthias and his father, self-taught musician and writer John, to create the script for The White Guitar.

Scribe says creating the play has been an incredible journey for himself, his father and brother. “We’ve become even closer as a family as we’ve been bringing our story to the stage. We haven’t shied away from the truth of our lives.”

Matthias has been building a career in acting after attending a workshop while at Weymouth Residential Centre and has been part of Jim Moriarty’s theatre group, Te Rakau and performed on stage, television and in films for the past 16 years.

The White Guitar is a major new work for The Conch combining strong imagery, AV projection, a brave script and powerhouse performances.
“This is a story about finding a voice in the midst of dark times, the triumph of survival and keeping the creative flame alight,” says director Nina Nawalowalo.

“We were drawn to the raw truth of the Luafutu ‘s story. It is particularly unique to have a story performed by the family themselves. These are three extraordinary men who have the courage to tell a story of hope found under oppression, a journey from hurt to healing, but above all a belief that the truth will set us all free.”

The White Guitar has a preview season in Wellington at Hannah Playhouse from 1-5 September with tickets available through Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) www.ticketek.co.nz. The world premiere season takes place in Christchurch for Christchurch Arts Festival from 10-13 September at The Court Theatre with tickets available through www.artsfestival.co.nz

ENDS

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