IN 2023, audiences around New Zealand were introduced to the passion, hilarity and māfana of Red, White and Brass, the crazy true life story of a group of Tongan Rugby fans who hatched a plan to attend the 2011 Rugby World Cup via the creation of a Tongan Marching Band, and who in the process grew closer together as a community and were able to express their considerable pride for their team, their family and their culture. Now, in a special event from Auckland Theatre Company, Red, White and Brass: The Play arrives on the stage, and it’s a joyous, loud and sensationally fun experience that will fill you with joy at every possible moment.
It’s 2011 in Wellington and the seventh Rugby World Cup is just around the corner. Reprising his film role, John-Paul Foliaki stars as Maka, a Tongan superfan, who will do whatever it takes to score tickets for the most important game of their lives – the Tonga versus France Rugby World Cup game.
When Maka and his cousin Veni fail in getting tickets, they decide to form a traditional Tongan marching band for the pre-match entertainment, just so they can go to the game. The only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to put one together.
With the help of his fāmili, his mates and local church members, Maka rallies together a band of misfits who know nothing about marching, nor do they have any instruments.
Taking on the task of bringing Red, White and Brass from the cinema to the stage is noted playwright Leki Jackson-Bourke, and it’s with considerable affection and enthusiasm that Jackson-Bourke translates the production of director Damon Fepulea’i and his screenwriting partner Halaifonua Finau for a stage production and Red, White and Brass is a narrative that perfectly fits the style of live theatre. With its combination of live music, sensational singing, and choreographed hip-hop movement, Red, White and Brass is a picture that sweeps up its audience into the production, and minute by minute, your heart will be beating faster at the pace and energy that is thrown at you. Jackson-Bourke finds the essential balance between the narrative’s drama and themes of connection, acceptance, and spirit, injecting a hearty dose of comedy and its delivery, which makes for an incredibly lively show.
Red, White and Brass: The Play is a full-on combination of music and dance, and this is pure creative expression at its finest. The choreography of Mario Faumui blends seamlessly with the music of Music Director Joanna Mika Toloa, and there’s a great combination of traditional brass music with a sublime and groovy hip-hop element that energises the production and will keep audiences smiling minute-by-minute. The creativity on display in Red, White and Brass: The Play pulsates with energy, and all elements feed into the story’s strong narrative. It is also a uniquely Tongan experience, and the culture of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Tongan community, is on full display in this presentation. There’s an immense sense of pride in staying true to the spirit of this story and its heritage.
The cast is in full form, and leading from the front is John-Paul ‘JP’ Foliaki; having originated the performance of Maka in the 2023 film, Foliaki picks up his performance once more, and the space and scope of the stage allows him to go to town with his presentation. It’s evident from his lively and charisma-filled style that Foliaki is having the time of his life on stage, and his happy-go-lucky style will bring a smile to audiences. A stunning supporting cast including the likes of Saale Ilaua as Veni, Mikey Falesiu as Samisoni, Diamond Langi as Irene, Rocky Manusaute as Laki, Kasi Valu as Sefo, Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson as Terrence, Lauren Jackson as Liz, Sesilia Pusiaki as Elisiva, and Onetoto Ikavuka as Reverend Pita complete the cast and all of them bring their all to realising the heartwarming power of this story.
There’s nothing better than a live theatre experience, and Red, White and Brass: The Play is a production that benefits from this energy. It’s a lively, rambunctious performance, and with its presentation of music, dance, comedy and drama, all of it will get the audience going. In seeing it live, the audience becomes a part of the play, and their energy and enthusiasm mix in with that of our cast, making the play a more vibrant experience. This is matched with a buoyant and exuberant sense of Tongan pride, and this is present in spades in the production. The end result is a show that will appeal to all New Zealanders. With its themes of family, connection and community spirit, it’s a heartwarming example of what can be achieved when we call upon our culture, and audiences will fall in love with this production.
Read, White and Brass: The Play runs from June 18 – July 7, so join in on the māfana and get your tickets here.
Image: Auckland Theatre Company
