Pati's life story is a story of people. By Sebastian Taylor
In the past, deeply touching shows like Auckland Theatre Company’s Tiri: Te Araroa have stuck in my head for days due to their emotional impact. But this is the first time I’ve had a show become a literal earworm. I found myself singing along to Herbs’ Nuclear Waste at work the day after watching Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan, while reminiscing on its incredible cast and story.
Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan is a joyful celebration of music, of Pasifika excellence—and most importantly—disabled excellence; based on the true life story of the titular character and performer Fonotī Pati Umaga. Pati is the centre of the show, narratively and literally, as he commands centre-stage set in the round surrounded by the audience, a cast of five supporting actors, and four musicians. In a single word, Pati is magnanimous. Amidst a whirlwind of action, his presence emanates throughout the play; a presence that is coloured by wry wit and heartwarming vulnerability.
The surrounding actors also play a version of Pati, imbuing him with their own qualities. The cast consists of Mere Boynton, Paris Tuimaseve-Fox, Lavinia Lovo, Albert Latailakepa, and Faith Tou; accompanied onstage by a talented band of musicians. Meka Nehemia on percussion, Hayden Nickel on violin, Andy Mauafua on guitar, and Isitolo Alesana on bass each move amongst the cast and contribute to the performance physically as well as musically. Live arts in Aotearoa aren’t foreign to wheelchair users, with dancer and wheelchair user Rodney Bell being recognized with critical acclaim both nationally and internationally for his choreography. It's no different in Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan, as wheelchair users Lavinia Lovo and Faith Tou steal the show for me. As a lover of physical theatre, seeing these actors performing highly choreographed work is an absolute pleasure. The most compelling moment for me involves elements of physiotherapy incorporated into the choreography as Pati journeys through his physical rehabilitation. I hope Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan is the first of many high production value shows that not only integrate, but spotlight disabled actors.
The show is quite simple in its structure, following the events of Pati’s life chronologically, using narration interspersed with music for key moments. Some songs are performed by the cast, and others are recordings. Unsurprisingly, the live music is the most satisfying, as the musical talent on display is immense, from both the actors and band. The conflict of Pati’s journey through internalized ableism, anger, and the inconsistent standard of care in Aotearoa is touched on, however it isn’t the primary focus of the show; in the same way that despite being about Pati, it’s really about the people in his life. I had the privilege of attending a tech rehearsal prior to seeing the full show, and every actor remarked on how Pati brought them into the production through trust and established friendships. Interconnectedness and service to community are the Pasifika values strongly on display in Pati’s life story. In fact, it’s not only a story of these values, but an enactment of them.
Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan will have a season in Wellington at Tāwhiri Warehouse from the 12th-15th of March, and I believe everyone should attend who wants to tautoko the talented disabled and Pasifika individuals featured both in the story and on the stage. Pati’s life story isn’t the story of a person, but a story of people.
About Sebastian Taylor
Physical theatre is Sebastian Taylor's calling. Studying under Pedro Ilgenfritz at Unitec is where inspiration hit and they've been moving their way through the Tāmaki theatre world ever since. Now in their third year with Massive Theatre Company, Sebastian also stays busy working as a technician behind the scenes of some of our biggest stages. Ever expanding their repertoire of talents, Sebastian is also training as a director and running their own playwriting group with other creatives. Sebastian is a natural deep thinker — unpicking the threads behind a work and shaping them into bold writing.
