Hawaiian artist's debut in Aotearoa!

Up-and-coming Hawaiian artist Kiana Rivera (aka Kiki) debuts her latest play in NZ - co-written by award-winning NZ-Samoan playwright Victor Rodger and directed by Anapela Polataivao! She spoke to ArtistNet about taking the plunge overseas, and the importance of our stories being told.  

How important is this story?
Personally, being able to write this story with such honesty is a huge personal feat, one that any person in my shoes could understand, so that for myself and other Pacific Island lesbian/queer community, it’s important. Itʻs also the first of it’s kind (representing lesbian Pacific Islanders) according to (writer/actor) Victor Rodger, so any pioneering effort in the Pacific Theatre community must be important by fulfilling a need, eh?

What is a significant moment in Pu**y that affirmed to you the relevancy of your play?
Without giving the entire story away, I’d say any moment in my process where I had to get over my insecurities and fears about any religious or familial consequences affirmed the relevancy of writing. Also the idea that this piece could potentially give voice to a community that is under represented in Pacific Theatre . . . well . . . all theatre when you think of it.

When you created your play did you consider using other characters or cultures or were you set on telling this particular story?
I did, especially because it’s being premiered in New Zealand and I’m not from there. I don’t speak the lingo or know their style, which makes it important that Victor is a huge part of this process. I consider a Hawaiʻi audience and he considers New Zealand, which led us to localize it for that (New Zealand) community, so we focused a lot on (the protagonist) Mele as a Samoan. I’d say we made a great team!

Why are you premiering your stage play in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Aotearoa is where the opportunity is! Plus, coming out internationally has less of an impact than coming out in your home town, so . . . softens the blow a bit.

Where are you right now creatively and personally since writing your play?
I’m inspired and more confident in creating more work. When I think back to last year, all of my personal successes came from getting back into theatre, so Puzzy just reaffirms my mission and purpose in life.

Pu**y opens on the 9th of Feb at the Basement Theatre as part of the Auckland PRIDE Festival.