In Development

A Boy Called Piano

“A seminal moment in New Zealand Theatre history” The Press, The White Guitar

Auckland 1963, three eleven year old boys meet in a cell in the family court. Two Maori and one Samoan, Wheels, Piwi and a boy called Piano. Made wards of state, driven across the city they are taken to Owairaka Boys home. There begins a story into the heart of darkness, abuse and pain but also the remarkable resilience of the boys as they seek to survive through the power of friendship, culture, music and the light of the human spirit.

Building on the award winning collaboration of The White Guitar described in The press as  “A seminal moment in New Zealand Theatre history” – The Conch returns to work with Fa’amoana John Luafutu on a new work ‘A Boy Called Piano’ At a time when the government is drawing up the terms for a Royal Commission of Enquiry  into the terrible abuse of children in state care Fa’amoana has chosen to speak out through a historic new play.

Combining high physical story telling, stunning AV design with live music composed and performed by the legendary Mark Vanilau (Dave Dobyn’s Pianist for the last 12 years) and the visual magic of The Conch – this work is a powerful call to action.

Directed by two of Aoteroa,  New Zealand great  theatre artists Nina Nawalowalo and Jim Moriarty and  Starring Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor and Allan Henry.

Development season 22 November – 3 December 2019 Bats Theatre

Book now: https://bats.co.nz/whats-on/a-boy-called-piano/