Rehearsals are well under way for the locally written play, Meisoga, which is written and directed by Port Moresby student, 16-year-old Andrew Kuliniasi.
The play is about the legend of how Meisoga matriarch warrior, Sine Kepu, led her clan to find an island to save their lives and reclaim and protect their culture.
Set many centuries ago, the play tells of how the Meisoga tribe eventually found a new home on Misima Island in Milne Bay.
Fellow actor, Alphonse Aisi, says Meisoga is an important play for Papua New Guinea.
“Today the younger people forget their culture. Plays like Meisoga help keep the culture alive,” said Aisi.
“Andrew has a tough job directing, producing and choreographing the play all at the same time. This is real challenge for Andrew. But the way he goes about it serves as a good role model for other aspiring actors and directors.”
Aisi says the play has a lot to offer.
“There’s singing, dancing, drumming and spear fighting that keeps the story moving.”
Aisi will play the part of Uncle Leike, an adviser to Sine Kepu.
“Uncle Leike is one of the good guys,” says Aisi.
Kuliniasi is an up and coming star on the PNG drama scene. He has acted in a number of plays with the Moresby Arts Theatre and last year directed Hercules.
Meisoga is Andrew’s first attempt at writing a play. It commences on March 17 at the Moresby Arts Theatre.
(Actors Peter Yagomin, left, and Alphonse Aisi rehearse for Meisoga)