The White Guitar

The ultimate distinction of The White Guitar is courage, forgiveness and reconciliation.
– Tamati Patuwai, Theatreview

“Director Nina Nawalowalo and Jim Moriarty’s ability to give this ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’ story the lightest of touch with great skill and restraint is a huge part of this piece’s success… The White Guitar’s story is truly a theatrical masterpiece that will haunt me for a long time to come, accentuated by its intensity and authenticity.”
– TheatreScenes

Following standing ovations and sell-out seasons in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, moving onto a successful 8 city regional tour, renowned hip-hop artist Scribe features with his father John and brother Matthias in this stunning new play, The White Guitar – the true story of the Luafutu family; powerful patriarch John, and sons Matthias and Malo (aka Scribe).

A grandmother’s dream of a better life in New Zealand collides with the reality of hardship and loss: 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 redemption.

With the intensity of a live gig, music pumps through the story’s veins – from the first songs of a grandmother as she sings along with her white guitar to the power of rock ‘n’ roll, the beats of hip-hop and church hymns, music is the life blood which pumps through this story’s veins, set against the backdrop of living and growing up Samoan in Auckland and Christchurch.

DIRECTED BY:
Nina Nawalowalo and Jim Moriarty

ORIGINALLY COMMISSIONED BY:
The Christchurch Arts Festival

CAST:

Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Malo Luafutu, Tupe Lualua, Filoi Vailaau, Tom McCrory, Kasaya Manulevu, Merlin Connell-Nawalowalo

TEXT:
Fa’amoana, Matthias and Malo Luafutu

CREATIVE TEAM:

Nina Nawalowalo – Director

Jim Moriarty – Director

Tom McCrory – Dramaturge

Sasha Gibb – Producer

Oscar Kightley– Script Consultant

Chris Winter – Sound Design

Owen McCarthy – A/V and Set Design

Lisa Maule – Lighting Designer

Seraphina Tausilia – Costume

Ole Maiva – Re-mount Creative Development