Review: Hearts of Men - Tough, tender Tongan tale

Vela Manusaute, writer and co-director of The Factory. Photo / Richard Robinson

What: Hearts of Men
Where & When: Mangere Arts Centre — Nga Tohu o Uenuku to April 14

Playwright and actor Albert GM Mateni has crafted a tough and tender story that offers a moving insight into the ordeals and aspirations of Auckland's Tongan community.

Hearts of Men is centred on the experiences of a young talented boxer who dreams of making it big so he can repay the sacrifices made by his struggling and deeply devoted mother.

The contours of the story are familiar but it is told with humour and heartfelt sincerity that establishes a strong connection with the audience.

The script throws up some lively character studies and director Vela Manusaute effectively uses music and stylised movement to build an engaging picture of a community that is determined to hold onto its traditional values as it faces the pressures of the modern world.

Malia 'Ahovelo anchors the show with a touching portrayal of a sharp-tongued mother who retains a strong moral compass while coping with the hard grind of life as a working mum.

The father, wasting the family's money on a gambling addiction, is amusingly played by Jase Manumu'a, who provides a comic highlight as he dances to the jaunty rhythms of a musical ditty while urging on a losing horse.

Mickey Falesiu brings a roguish charm to the role of a small-time hustler working at a toy store, while Anna Corbett offers a sympathetic ear for the play's sorrowful protagonist.

As boxing coach, Aleni Tufuga dispenses Sun Tzu-style wisdom to his young charges and Albert Mateni, as an aspiring middle-weight champion, delivers a strong performance that packs an emotional punch when he confronts his absent father.

It would have been good to have seen more development of this conflict but the show ends on an uplifting note with an affirmation of the traditional Tongan values of respect, humility, nurturing, loyalty and love.