Manaia show mesmerising, so relevant here

Sarah Olsen

Opinion

A call to action — support Lawrence Mulligan and Norman Maclean in their latest endeavour, a production of John Broughton’s Michael James Manaia. 

This play is so relevant to our East Coast region and all those who live here. It also may well be the best piece of theatre I have ever seen performed in Gisborne.

Lawrence is acting his socks off in a completely mesmerising and emotionally stirring story of a returned Māori Vietnam veteran recounting his life story. The story also has links to World War 2, with Michael’s father being a survivor of Monte Casino — with all the ensuing difficulties and the effect they had on Michael and his brother.

You may think “this is not my cup of tea” (something that I originally thought – not a politically correct thing for the treasurer of Unity Theatre to admit!), or “it’s too cold to go out”, or “I’ve got too much on”, but I can promise you a night that you won’t forget in a hurry. You’ll be alternately laughing and possibly crying as the intensity of the action develops.

I was hooked from the time I went to a rehearsal a couple of weeks ago and had the privilege of my own private performance by Lawrence, as he shared his korero with me.

This play shows reality for many whanau here in Tairāwhiti — the men who have been damaged by conflict, be it physically or emotionally. It touches on areas so relevant to many families: alcohol abuse, family violence, mental health issues, miscarriage, mixed-race relationships.

I have heard comments from people after the show saying it should be touring, how powerful the message is, and how professional Lawrence is. People have been moved to tears.

Yes, it is uncomfortable viewing at times, but it is also very funny in places and so real. One viewer thought Lawrence looked too young to have been in Vietnam. He thought he WAS Michael James Manaia telling his story — what better accolade could you have?

I ask you to come, for Lawrence and Norman’s sake, and for your own. Don’t miss possibly the best piece of theatre staged in Gisborne.

Audience comments —

Dame Bronwen Holdsworth: It was very powerful, realistic, tragic, moving, and left me in tears. With love and admiration.

Mary-Jane Richmond: Yes, outstanding. Not to be missed.

Heather Mcintyre: Wow! An outstanding, powerful performance Lawrence Mulligan! The standing ovation was so well deserved. Superb directing from Norman Maclean. Raw, humorous, heart-wrenching, confronting . . . local theatre at its best.

James Packman: Great watch, I recommend it to everyone.

Elizabeth Blaker: Lawrence Mulligan is outstanding in this role. The play is superb.

Well-wishers —

Paul McLaughlin: Break a leg team. This is such a powerful show, wish I could see this production.

Peter Derby: Awesome script, Lawrence will make a spectacular job of breathing life into it.

Liz Minogue: Te Kohe Tuhaka did a great version. Now it is Lawrence’s turn to put his own stamp on it.