A cheeky, irreverent mood is established immediately by an entertainingly rude little song performed by Peter and Ioane, the boys whose friendship is at the play's core.
They, and everyone else (there are 15 speaking parts) are played by Gregory Cooper and Semu Filipo.
At first it feels artificial, but the actors cope admirably with their demanding task and within minutes make it all seem perfectly natural, and the audience never has a moment's uncertainty about who is speaking, and to whom.
Among the play's many comic episodes, the funniest shows the boys joining an Indian cricket team whose other members are all called Patel and, improbably, winning the match for them.
As the play progresses the mood darkens and, as the awkwardnesses of adolescence sets in, acceptance and respect are beset by suspicion and incomprehension.
Destructive forces are exemplified by racist neighbours, an ignorant and prejudiced teacher, representatives of the law and even the Church.
The production, directed by Dan Pengelly, is emotionally and intellectually involving, but I found myself wishing there was more to look at.
In a 90-minute show without an interval, there is no opportunity for costume changes (the actors wear the kind of outfits they might wear to a barbecue), and a very spare set, combined with an absence of props, produces a visual sameness throughout.
This is a travelling production so practical considerations matter, of course, and Garry Keirle's lighting design helps, but more visual complexity would add interest.
This is, however, just a gripe. Niu Sila is well constructed, snappy, funny and sad.
It's also, arguably, a Children of the Poor for our own times.
It deserves to be seen, enjoyed and, importantly, discussed by as many people as possible.
- Reviewed by Barbara Frame
To see
Niu Sila Fortune Theatre April 30-May 21
Also touring the regions:
May 24 Oamaru Opera House; May 26 Ranfurly Town Hall; May 27 Alexandra Memorial Hall; May 28-29 Luggate Hall; May 31 Cromwell Memorial Hall; June 3 Blue Mountain College, Tapanui.
