After conquering stage, screen and television, Fasitua Amosa is set to take over the stand up world. Beginning on the circuit only last year he has produced his first solo show Ruufless! Before Fasitua even hit the stage the crowd were in a frenzy, which was certainly helped by the high energy, self inflating introduction he gave himself. He was given a rockstar welcome , so much so that he could have just recited the phone book and had the punters hanging on his every word.
The bulk of the material revolved around his experiences growing up Samoan in New Zealand; the prejudices, his religious family life and how he saw the world around him which included his take on some current events. This was all based around the premise that many people have a ‘Ruufless’ attitude. Add observations of the stereotypical behaviour of various races and views on the socioeconomic situations in various suburbs of Auckland and you had a show that had the potential to ruffle a few feathers. The predominantly coloured audience seemed to take the jokes the right way if the constant laughter was anything to go by.
He was certainly not afraid to poke fun at Whiteys as well as all Pacific races. Some of the jokes that played up on racial stereotypes often came from the point of view of another rather than his own. This technique allowed him to make the joke more about the ignorance of the observer rather than making the target the butt of the joke. This was a nice touch that humanised the stereotypes as well as diffusing any accusations of racism. Any material that did appear to be derived from his viewpoint was never malicious and always playful in nature. He was able to push the boundary of offensiveness without breaking it; making it humourous rather than simply indulging in a rant.
Fasitua prowled the stage like a caged tiger, punctuating his disbelief at the situations he explored with the constant muttering of “Oh Sheee-it!” His voice became a little shouty, occasionally verging of preaching, when the material required but the majority of his delivery was ultra cool. His supreme confidence on the stage helped the material flow effortlessly. Before we knew it he was ‘outta here’ and we easily could have listened to his hilarious tales and views for another hour.
Ruufles was a wonderful hour in the presence of a master performer. Whites and foreigners may find many of his references difficult to pick up, but his brilliant stage manner makes this a highly entertaining show for all.
Visit the NZ Comedy Festival Website- for booking details.