Pacific Theatre writing in the UK 2012 - 2024
PLAY READINGS +
The Collected Works of Sani Muliaumaseali'i
The Third Country
Amira, a young refugee from Afghanistan, is being held in an Australian offshore detention centre in the Pacific. Alone and afraid, she retreats into a dream world of her own making—but dreams cannot keep her safe forever. Someone is watching.
On the Australian mainland, Dolores is struggling under an oppressive heat. Desperate for escape, she makes a choice that sends unexpected consequences rippling across lives, borders, and time itself.
Blending realism with imagination, The Third Country is a compelling exploration of displacement, responsibility, and human connection. This thought-provoking work shines a light on Australia's policy of detaining children in offshore detention and asks what it truly means to care for one another.
The Third Country was written specifically for the 2016 Writers' Group at the Royal Court Theatre, where it was developed as part of the programme.
Content Warning: Contains strong language, sexual references, and depictions of abuse.
Play Reading +
A script-in-hand performance that foregrounds the power of the spoken word, with minimal staging and an emphasis on storytelling.
Featuring: Music • Movement • Momentos Moana a Kiwa
Play Reading +
Performers read a script aloud, usually without sets, props, or costumes, emphasizing vocal delivery over staging.
+ Music + Movement + Momentos Moana a Kiwa
ABOUT THE WRITER
Layered artist, operatic tenor, and Pacific cultural architect Sani Muliaumasealii turned to writing after personal upheaval. The only Samoan writer creating specifically for the UK stage, he is a singular voice and true game changer. Co-founder of GAFA Arts Collective, he fuses language, ritual, and music, reshaping British theatre through Pacific perspectives.The works gathered here reflect this, alongside politics, history, and creative passions. All are envisioned for full staging in London in 2027, celebrating Sani’s 60th year. A pioneer in his field, he continues to shape and expand the presence of Samoan and Pacific voices on the UK stage. Sani holds the chiefly (Matai) title of Siliga from Vaitele, Samoa.