Mā

Mā is a poignant devised theatre and performance poetry work that delves into themes of chosen family, motherhood, and identity. This triple hander is set against the backdrop of diasporic Samoan life, the performance reflects on the intersectionality of queer identity and the nurturing essence of motherhood. "Mā" is both a tribute to the artist's own mother and a powerful expression of chosen family bonds within the queer community, embracing Aiga filifiliga (Chosen Family) as central to its narrative.

This project is a consolidative ode of affirmation to all trans fa’afafine living within the diaspora context, politics and place of Aotearoa. It highlights the relation in all our shared experiences and existences between the dualities of traditional families and chosen families, how these two structures co-exist together and from that how we foster fruitful connection between the two displayed through art.

Show credits

Director/performer: Jonjon Tolovae
Producer: Kasi Valu
Music Director/performer: Lijah Mavaega
Performer: Nikeidrian Lologa - Peters
Cultural Advisor: Jake Tupu
Costume Designer: Sammy Salsa
Dramaturg: Joshua Iosefo 

Artist Bio:

Jonjon Tolovae is a founding member and resident costume designer of No.3 Roskill Theatre, contributing to costume design, performance, and writing since 2020. She has designed costumes for their last four shows and began her arts career in 2019 with the award-winning Odd Daphne by the Odd Fam collective. Her costume credits include assisting on Dawn Raids by Oscar Kightley in its Auckland Theatre Company/ASB Waterfront Theatre season (2022) and the Wellington Opera House season (2024), and assisting Lindah Lepou on Aiga by Lusi Faiva (Touch Compass) for the 2024 Auckland Arts Festival.

A prominent figure in the LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF+ arts scene, Jonjon launched Lalaga Nuanua – Weaving Rainbows during Auckland Pride 2024, showcasing brown queer artists through a script reading of her work, tapa-making workshops, and ongoing Katas and Kava sessions. She is also an active commentator, chanter, and MC in the Aotearoa Ballroom scene.