First, BLACK FAGGOT shone a spotlight on a wide spectrum of gay Samoan men. Now PUZZY prepares to do the same for Pacific Island lesbians.
Mele is just your average Samoan Jehovah’s Witness – except she’s a lesbian. After she comes out and embarks on a quest for true love, she encounters a wide range of characters from her disapproving Elder John to her straight best friend Tina Turner and ultimately her first true love. Written by Hawaiian based Samoan-Filipina newcomer Kiana Rivera (feat. Black Faggot’s Victor Rodger), PUZZY finally gives voice to a sector of the Pacific Island community that has long been invisible.
Photo by Priscilla Northe of Striped Trees Productions
PUZZY facts
PUZZY's writers, director and stars are all Pacific Islanders
PUZZY is the only known pacific island lesbian story told through theatre to date
PUZZY is the first play KIKI has written
PUZZY was the first time Frankie Adams had performed in a play
PUZZY sold 81.8% of it's inaugural season and had over 100% booked
PUZZY's only palangi contributors both identify as queer
PUZZY was a huge critical and commercial success
PUZZY was a highlight of the Auckland Pride Festival programme 2016 (as stated by the board)
Practical
PUZZY has 4 actors
The story is about Mele, played by Frankie Adams
The other 3 characters have a carousel of different characters
There is no set
The lighting design is minimal
The audio requirements are a PA and AUX input
There is production stills & footage of the show already
The cast and creatives are excellent at publicity calls