Unitec play written for Pasifika students | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Right now, life isn't simple for Losi. He has an attractive steady girlfriend but he has also fathered a child to another woman, he's chasing a sex-crazed lawyer and his confidante is a pastor's daughter.

Taofia Pelesasa and Arianne Guanzon are Unitec students performing in 4 the Love of Losi. Taofia plays Losi, the soul-searching Casanova; Arianne plays Vicki, the fierce young lawyer who usually gets what she wants.

Unitec's Department of Performing and Screen Arts is presenting four plays performed by the graduating Year 3 acting class. Only 4 the Love of Losi was written for the actors.

Arianne says a former Unitec student, Danny Aumua, was commissioned to write the piece. "John Davies, the head of Live Performance, wanted a specific play for the [Pacific] Islanders in the group. It's never been done before."

The cast of five met Aumua to discuss themes and stories. "There were stories from our personal lives and we wanted to create a sense of family," Arianne says.

Taofia feels the play reflects the actors' life experiences. "When you're in an institution you end up playing a lot of roles you can't easily connect to, so it was nice for John to give us something we can relate to easily."

The pair say it was somewhat awkward to discover the parts written for them and both point out they're not playing themselves.

"I wouldn't say I'm Losi," says Taofia, "and I wouldn't say I'm Vicki," adds Arianne, "but she represents my capabilities."

Shimpal Lelisi, who co-starred in Sione's Wedding, directed the play.

He calls 4 the Love of Losi a brave piece. "If they pull it off it will be awesome. I think the audience will see a lot of New Zealand in it. It's very much a cultural Auckland story, a dark comedy. Actually, it just got darker and darker as we went along."

Working with students has been a new experience but their work ethic has impressed him. "They are all really committed to the idea and want to see it through, and that's good to see in students. It would be easy to take it on the road and they are more than capable of it."

DOUBLE PERFORMANCE
4 the Love of Losi will be performed as a double feature alongside Radiance.
DATES: November 11, 14, 16 and 18 at 8.30pm.

Also on show: Artaud at Rodez and The Water Engine will show November 12, 15, 17 and 19, also at 8.30pm.

All shows at the Unitec Theatre, Building 6, Carrington Rd (use entry 1), Mt Albert. Tickets: iticket.co.nz, or ph (09) 361 1000.

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