Concrete Playground

Michael James Manaia is a poignant one-man show about a Kiwi bloke who, after returning home from the Vietnam War, finds himself at odds with his culture, his history and his memories. Packed full of dynamic theatrical action and colourful characters, we follow his journey through childhood, family, love, grief, conflict and passion.

Directed by Nathaniel Lees and starring Te Kohe Tuhaka, Michael James Manaia premiered at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre in 1991 before performing at the Edinburgh Festival and venues around the globe. This revised version received rave reviews at the New Zealand International Arts Festival in Wellington earlier in the year and was named the theatrical highlight of the festival by Dom Post reviewer Ewen Coleman.