Knack Studios and Dare2Create with the support of WR Carpenter Group of companies and UNDP are set to restage Andrew Kuliniasi’s critically acclaimed in the round theatre drama, “For My Father”.
According to a statement, production will run from July 24th to August 3rd at the Moresby Arts Theatre, featuring performances from upcoming PNG actors and directed by young theatre director, Ziggy Yominao who co-directed the show before in its premier in 2022 and restaging in 2023.
“We wanted to stage For My Father again because it’s a small show, with only 65 seats, we create an intimate experience for the audience to witness this show.”
“I’m really excited to be directing the show, as it’s an important story to tell.”
Play Writer, Andrew Kuliniasi explained that For My Father is the story of four (4) siblings whose father passes away leaving them with the financial burden of a hauskrai, the repatriation of their father’s body to the village and the costs of a funeral.
Having no money to pay for it all, they turn to their rich half-brother who lives overseas for help.
Taking place over the night their brother comes to town, For My Father is a story of the generational impact of fathers, blending families and customary and family obligations.
“For My Father asks the main questions like: What is the cost of death in a country like PNG?”
“What happens when a parent passes that you were not on good terms with?”
“How does a family cope with grief while trying to pay for the death of the deceased?”
For My Father features a cast of five (5) amazing PNG actors, Noel Kavora playing the distant rich half-brother Michael, writer and experienced actor Andrew Kuliniasi playing Elisha the eldest of the half siblings, Daniel Romney who gives a rapturous take on a pastor, playing second born Braxton.
Emmanuel Simeon playing Benny who encapsulates the young street-smart PNG man trying to find his way in the world and rounding off the cast is the amazingly talented Hananiah Dickson, who gives an emotional performance playing the youngest sister Anita.
Past audience members of the show have expressed their praise for “For My Father” play.
“Plays like this portray that we are the sum of our experiences.”
“For My Father was confronting and thought provoking.”
“A beautiful play every Papua New Guinean will know in some form,” Sylvia Pascoe said.
Rex Buka from the NCD Youth Desk said that he enjoyed watching firstly, the hidden talent of our Youths in acting, Scripting and Directing.
“The creativity of it. The energy and commitment put in and the cross-cutting issues the play addressed.”
Other audience members have described it as “Riveting”, “A beautiful tragedy” and “It will have you laughing, angry, but most of all it will have you crying.”
Meanwhile tickets for “For My Father” are on-sale now on the Ticket Bilum App or you can contact Knack Studios on Facebook, Instagram or email knacktsproductions@gmail.com with tickets going for as low as K15.
For My Father is rated M17 and is for matured audience with parental guidance recommended for those 17 years old.