The Factory

The struggles faced by the displaced and their thwarted dreams of finding a work and a home in a place that isn’t home are not the sort of themes one expects of  a musical! But that is the background for this fast moving, emotionally charged production.

It covers the wrench of leaving home, dealing with the language and customs of another country, accepting work in low paid jobs and poor conditions, hoping for the renewal of work permits … and facing condescension and vilification by employers and fellow workers, such as the callous Anglising of their names.

One would expect, then for it to be fairly dark and depressing – but that wouldn’t allow for the incredible optimism, strength and endurance of the Samoan people – or the rhythms, music and movement that are intrinsic to their culture and way of life.

The Factory is a musical theatre tour de force. Writer Vela Manusaute sees it as:

“A tribute to my Pacific people who worked the factory floor from the early days of migration … in the search of the milk and honey dream that promised abundance. The desire kept burning in me to tell this story ... The celebratory drum beat is for them. Our people. And for this beautiful land, Aotearoa (New Zealand) that our children call home”.

His story is told in the way that Samoans approach everything. With heart and soul and song and dance. The ‘drum beat’ – whether soft and whimsical as his characters sadly leave their village, or loud and fast as they work with fellow countrymen on the factory floor in a new land – is a moving celebration. It echoed from the stage in the hearts of the 200 strong Samoan and Maori audience who have shared similar experiences here.  And was shared by those of us who could empathise with both the struggling migrants – and the token ‘white’ person who reached across harsh racist barriers.

All fifteen members of the cast are highly qualified with broad experience in theatre, cabaret and recording, but this production is more than just another performance to them. It is their story – and they all tell it with heart and humour and harmony.

Milly Grant is Losa, (called ‘Lucy’ by Richard Wilkinson, the racist factory owner), a new migrant and new employee to the factory. Grant has an amazing voice but is equally talented as an actor, riding the roller coaster of Losa’s emotional journey with engaging truth and real audience appeal.

Taofia Pelesasa is Mose, (re-named Moses by the callous Wilkinson), who takes on the role of Union Rep in a workplace that is direly in need of renovation. His complaints to Wilkinson go unheeded, backed by the threat of dismissal or not renewing their work permits. Pelesasa is impressive in this role. He is tall and commanding. There is real strength in his words and his character – and he sings and dances with similar power.

But it is Paul Fagamalo who captures the heart of the audience! Playing Misilei, he moves with unbelievable ease from compassionate friend, to impassioned mentor, to high camp ‘vamp’, his powerful voice only countered by his amazingly charismatic stage presence.

Paul Glover and Ryan Bennett are the token ‘white’ characters. Glover is the evil Richard Wilkinson, Bennett is Edward, his more compassionate, understanding son. Both characters are well written and developed effectively – Glover finding all the callousness of the harsh employer, Bennett torn between filial love, his “star crossed” love for Losa, and doing the ‘right thing’ by the factory staff.

In the midst of a wealth of beautiful voices and music and carefully choreographed movement, Losa and Edward come together in a very emotional duet, where their harmony is almost breath-taking.

In fact harmony is probably the most overwhelming message one takes away from this production. The voices of the cast will echo, their dance routines will continue to impress – but is their message of hope and harmony and realising a dream that more audiences need to hear.

Carol Wimmer

More Reading

David Spicer speaks to Ana Polataivao, the director and co-writer of The Factory.