A Boy Called Piano

The Conch's A Boy Called Piano will be presented across Aotearoa in October 2022 as part of PANNZ's touring programme, Tour-Makers. Tour dates and tickets are available further below. For more information about A Boy Called Piano please visit the The Conch's website.

 

 

 

Writers: Fa’amoana John Luafutu & Tom McCrory
Director: Nina Nawalowalo
Producer: Katherine Wyeth
Executive Producer: Tom McCrory
Composer: Mark Vanilau
Starring: Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd, Ole Maiava
Visual Design: Rowan Pierce
Lighting Design: Hāmi Hawkins
Technical Manager: Mike Ainsworth
Technical Operator: Bekky Boyce

Featuring sound design elements and video footage from The Conch documentary film: A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu - Directed by Nina Nawalowalo, Produced by Katherine Wyeth, Executive Producer: Tom McCrory, Composer: Mark Vanilau, Edited by Lala Rolls, Cinematography by Jess Charlton, Sound Design by Mike Gibson, Featuring: Fa’amoana John Luafutu, Matthias Luafutu, Tāne Luafutu, Micah Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Tupe Lualua

Auckland 1963. Three eleven year old boys meet in a cell in the Family Court. Two Māori and one Samoan: Wheels, Piwi, and a boy called Piano. Made wards of state, they are taken to Ōwairaka Boys’ Home. There begins a story of darkness, abuse and pain, but also resilience as the boys seek to survive through the power of friendship, culture, music and the human spirit.

Growing from the award-winning collaboration of The White Guitar’s creative team, Pacific NZ theatre company The Conch is proud to walk beside Fa’amoana John Luafutu and the Luafutu Aiga as they courageously bring the true story of Fa’amoana’s experience - alongside thousands of Māori and Pasifika children - into the light.

Written by Fa’amoana John Luafutu and Tom McCrory, and directed by Nina Nawalowalo, A Boy Called Piano builds on The Conch’s kaupapa of harnessing the power of theatre as a force for social change. Combining physical storytelling, breathtaking visual design, and elements from The Conch documentary film A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu (NZIFF 2022 and winner 2022 Montreal Independent Film Festival), the play stars Fa’amoana alongside his son Matthias Luafutu, Aaron McGregor, Rob Ringiao-Lloyd and the renowned Ole Maiava, plus a stunning score performed live by Aotearoa music legend Mark Vanilau.

 

A Boy Called Piano was first produced at BATS Theatre, Wellington on 04 October 2022
Developed in partnership with Auckland Live

 

*No Interval. Lockout applies. Content warning: offensive language, contains themes relating to abuse and suicide.

“It’s gripping, insightful and appeals to our humanity.” - Theatreview

"This play is a reminder how powerful theatre is." - Dominion Post

 

 

Show Dates and Bookings

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Tuesday, 4th October - 8:30 p.m.

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Wednesday, 5th October - 8:30 p.m.

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Thursday, 6th October - 2:00 p.m.

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Thursday, 6th October - 8:30 p.m.

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Friday, 7th October - 8:30 p.m.

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Saturday, 8th October - 2:00 p.m.

Wellington

BATS Theatre

Saturday, 8th October - 8:30 p.m.

Dunedin Arts Festival

The Regent Theatre

Thursday, 13th October - 7:00 p.m.

Oamaru

Oamaru Opera House

Saturday, 15th October - 7:00 p.m.

Christchurch

The Piano

Friday, 21st October - 7:00 p.m.

Christchurch

The Piano

Saturday, 22nd October - 1:00 p.m.

Christchurch

The Piano

Saturday, 22nd October - 7:00 p.m.

Hawke's Bay Arts Festival

Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre

Tuesday, 25th October - 7:30 p.m.

Auckland Live

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre

Thursday, 27th October - 7:00 p.m.

Auckland Live

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre

Friday, 28th October - 7:00 p.m.

Auckland Live

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre

Saturday, 29th October - 2:00 p.m.

Auckland Live

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre

Saturday, 29th October - 7:00 p.m.