University first year student keen to direct theatre play production

ANDREW Kuliniasi, pictured, 19, is the writer and director of the theatre play production Meisoga, 2019.
“I knew I wanted to do something more after the first Meisoga production,” the enthusiastic and energetic Kuliniasi said.
In just his first of year study at the University of Papua New Guinea, Kuliniasi is set to direct the play production under the guidance of his lecturers and senior students.
“This is the first time this division has ever produced a first year production,” head of Theatre arts UPNG, Sophie Naime said.
“Usually, it’s the final year students who do the production.”
Meisoga is a legendary play from Misima Island in Milne Bay that talks about “cultural taboos, the do’s and don’ts”.
It was first staged at the Port Moresby Arts Theatre by Kuliniasi in 2017 and was hailed a success.
Sponsored by Next of Kin production, the young and talented Kuliniasi is grateful to the UPNG Theatre arts division for providing the platform for him to do the re-production of the play even as a first year student.
“I appreciate the trust my lectures have in me to stage the re-production of Meisoga,” he said.
“I first directed the play without any professional knowledge about theater but now with the help of my lectures, I’ve learnt a lot of new things which will be seen in this re-production.”
The play, according to the young writer and director is supposed to interest the younger generation of the importance of upholding their culture.
It is also about the role in which a woman can play as a leader.
Kuliniasi is currently majoring in literature and minoring in theater arts.
Naime said Kuliniasi is very creative and knowledgeable in terms of writing and acting.
His passion in theatre was first realised at the age of 8 and at 12, he wrote his first script.
The play will be running for two weeks from July 8-19 at the University.