Caribbean-Kiwi playwright Estelle Chout's confronting and comedic new play Po' Boys and Oysters wrapped on a high last week.
Kadambari Raghukumar speaks to the cast about what it means to be black creatives in Aotearoa New Zealand.
From left to right - Layla Pitt, Estelle Chout and Sandra Zvenyika Photo: John Rata
Po' Boys and Oysters ran for two weeks of mostly sold-out shows at Auckland’s Basement Theatre.
For it, Estelle Chout became the first Afro-Caribbean to be nominated for the Adam New Zealand Play Award.
The play is also the first New Zealand theatre piece about the experience of being black and queer in Aotearoa.
The characters in Po' Boys and Oysters are drawn from very real references – such as the cast's own families - which brings a raw authenticity to the play.
The script is packed with the distinct dynamics that play out in families when there are conflicting worldviews.
It shines a fierce yet comical light on the complex and nuanced diasporic experience and the determination to adopt a child.
"I could be sitting here and wait for a role for you know, a black woman with a Martinique accent - how is that gonna happen? That's never gonna happen. So you create your own opportunities" - Estelle Chout
"When you have that representation, like it changes everything. It changes how you view yourself, and how you kind of navigate the world. And I just feel like that's what New Zealand needs" - Layla Pitt
"It's just lovely to be able to just bring your whole self without thinking about how you look and whether that fits with the story or not" - Sandra Zvenyika
Po' Boys and Oysters was directed by Dione Joseph and made with the support of Black Creatives Aotearoa. It also features the actors Andrew Johnson and Jack Briden.
Related:
Estelle Chout on Po' Boys and Oysters (Standing Room Only)
Estelle Chout on The Eternal Queers (Standing Room Only)
