Black Faggot is a funny, raw, deeply moving play, featuring a vast array of (mostly) queer characters in Auckland's Pasifika Community. Ahead of the show opening at Q Theatre later this month, we spoke with playwright Victor Rodger ONZM about this incredibly moving work and its journey.
Q Theatre: Black Faggot first premiered over a decade ago. How do you think today’s landscape has changed (or not changed) since then and how does that affect the play today?
Victor Rodger: I actually considered remounting Black Faggot for its 10th anniversary in 2023, but I wasn't sure if it would still be relevant. It turns out it is indeed still relevant. It is still necessary.
How has your relationship with the play changed over time?
I was in a very dark place when the play initially debuted in 2013, and wasn't able to enjoy its success. Now, I can appreciate Black Faggot for what it is and the effect it has on both queer and non-queer audiences.
How do you approach the balance of tones within the work? E.g., blending humour with the more raw, serious moments?
I have to tip my hat to the original director, Roy Ward, who really encouraged me to give the play a heart (which is encapsulated perfectly by the relationship between a young down-low Samoan and an older, bolder "out n' proud" Samoan). He also helped figure out the rhythmn of the show- sometimes going from totally heartfelt to utterly filthy, but that's all part of the fun.
What has it been like collaborating with the creative team for this season of the show?
Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Director) is someone I have worked with several times over the last decade. She directed two plays that I produced (Wild Dogs Under My Skirt and The Savage Coloniser Show by Tusita Avia), both of which were performed at Q Theatre and have travelled to New York and Korea, respectively. I trust Anapela.
I've enjoyed seeing Jake Tupu's work in other productions, and I’m glad it worked out for him to perform in Black Faggot. Gideon is a recent Toi Whakaari graduate, whose dad was part of the church I used to attend back in the day. I told Gideon to audition and voila.
In what ways have you seen the show resonate with audiences over the years? Have there been any particularly memorable responses?
When Black Faggot was playing in Palmerston North, a young fast food worker approached me to say he'd seen the play twice, that it was his story and that he was grateful I'd written it. That’s the interaction I’ve had that’s stuck with me the most.
Another memorable occasion was seeing one of my Samoan aunts in the audience one night. I was HORRIFIED and figured she'd hate it. However, she threw her head back and laughed right along with everyone else. The only thing she objected to was a Samoan swear word I used in the script.
What are you hoping Q Theatre audiences will take away from this show?
I believe that art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. I hope that whatever side of that equation an audience member finds themselves on, the play either brings them solace or makes them squirm.
Black Faggot will take place at Q Theatre from Wednesday 25 - Sunday 29 June 2025 in Rangatira. Click here to read more about the show and to book your tickets.
Image: Image of Victor Rodger via Wikipedia. Credit - By New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General
