Pacific Theatre writing in the UK
2012 - 2024
The Collected Works of Sani Muliaumaseali'i
K A V A G I R L S
Book and music by Sani Muliaumaseali’i (2014)
In a cramped dressing room in the West End, three understudies wait in the wings — each fighting to be seen. Kava Girls follows Sinalei, Salma, and Debra — all covering the same role, each carrying their own ambition, edge, and vulnerability.
Sweet, wide-eyed Sinalei a Samoan Fa’afine (a Samoan cis - male who lives as a female) steps into her first West End job, Her openness set against veteran Debra’s hard-earned resilience and go getter Salma’s fierce, questioning drive. As tensions rise, so do the emotional stakes — with moments of sharp wit, tenderness, and quiet power.
At its core is a striking choice: Sinalei is a Samoan Fa’afafine, yet her identity is not made a spectacle. It simply exists — unforced, unexaggerated — until, suddenly, it can’t be ignored.
✨ Tender, funny, and quietly radical
✨ A powerful exploration of trans identity across cultures
Celebrated at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
🎟️ Three understudies. One role. Kava Girls is the play you need to see.
'warmth and heart that is rarely found' LGBTQ Arts Review
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.