THEATRE REVIEW: Mā – A Tender Tribute To A Mother's Love
From the moment the excited chatter filled the theatre’s foyer, it was clear that anticipation was high. Mā, directed and performed by Jonjon Tolovae, with a beautifully complementary performance by Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters and accompanied by Flo Akauola on guitar, unfolds as a deeply personal tribute to the enduring love of a mother.
Before the lights even dim and the show begins, ‘Mum’ by Prince Tui Teka plays on the overhead speakers, gently foreshadowing the narrative to come. As the lights dimmed and the performance began, the energy in the room shifted from excited chatter to focused, heartfelt silence. This transition immediately set the stage for a performance that promised both intimacy and a strong cultural connection, Samoan dialogue and song is interwoven throughout the show, bringing a cultural intimacy known well by the Pasifika communities in Tamaki Makaurau.
Throughout Mā, intimate recordings of conversations between Jonjon and her mother Sevai lend a heartfelt authenticity, transforming the stage into a space of familial dialogue. The inclusion of what sounded to me like the 1910 archival recordings by Richard Moyle create a bridge between past and present, enriching the present-day story with historical context. This layering invites the audience to reflect on the universal themes of heritage and identity, as well as the personal memories that many carry with them.
“My mother, a river; her daughter, the earth”
Striking imagery is woven into every element of Mā, painting the picture of the nurturing, ever-present force of maternal love. The staging and evocative sound design conjure vivid sensory experiences. For those who grew up in Samoan households, the familiar sounds of a mother’s footsteps echoing in a hallway or the loud music that signals that it’s going to be a house cleaning day, all add an extra layer of emotional resonance. These details transform the performance into more than just a narrative; they become a shared, almost tangible memory. Rather than transporting the audience to a specific time or place, the performance transports to a powerful, shared feeling of nostalgia and warmth.
The narrative adopts an understated approach, opting to celebrate the quiet, unwavering nature of maternal love over dramatic conflict. While this safe, reflective tone highlights the beauty of unconditional care, it also leaves the performance feeling somewhat restrained. The tension of struggle and hardship is hinted at but never fully explored, an artistic choice that - though it reinforces the theme of gentle devotion - may also leave audiences wishing for a bolder emotional journey. This cautious approach, while delivering a touching homage, occasionally undercuts the potential for a deeper, more dramatic exploration of personal transformation.
Jonjon Tolovae’s passion and deep adoration for her mother are evident in every movement, lyric, and note, inviting the audience into her personal world. Nikeidrian Lologa-Peters’ performance, equally expressive and nuanced, provided a complementary perspective that adds more weight to the overall narrative. Their collaboration on stage emphasising the idea that stories of love and identity are often multifaceted, drawing strength from both personal history and collective memory.
Ultimately, Mā stands as a beautifully crafted homage to a mother’s love; a celebration of life’s quieter moments rendered with elegance and sincerity. Its layered storytelling, rooted in both universal and personal contexts, invites the audience to experience a range of emotions from nostalgia to quiet introspection. While the performance's cautious approach may leave some viewers craving a deeper exploration of conflict, its tribute to maternal devotion remains profoundly moving.
If you are queer, brown, and/or simply love your mother, Mā is a show that beautifully encourages you to tell your mother just how much she means to you.
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Mā is showing at Q Theatre until Saturday, 1st March 2025. To book for tickets to see the show, click here.
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By Tu'i Manure Anric Sitanilei