Renowned hip hop artist Scribe, alongside his father John and brother Matthias, is taking to the Napier Municipal Theatre stage tonight with his powerful true story of immigrant life in New Zealand.
Part of the 2016 Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival, The White Guitar was co-written by the three men and is a hard-hitting exploration of the trials Pacific Island immigrants face trying to make a better life for their family in New Zealand, seen through the eyes of the Luafutu family.
Produced by The Conch, and directed by Nina Nawalowalo and Jim Moriarty, this show has earned standing ovations and sell-out seasons in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, and is currently touring New Zealand through Tour-Makers.
The story follows a grandmother's dream of a better life in New Zealand, which collides with the reality of hardship and loss - a man's journey from boyhood innocence into the heart of darkness through violence, drug addiction, prison and gangs - then to the possibility of hope, healing and inspiration.
With the intensity of a live gig, the soundtrack echoes the narrative - ranging from a grandmother singing along with her white guitar, to the power of rock and roll, hip-hop beats and church hymns.