Theatre show

New Tongan theatre show set to inspire

Albert Mateni not only wrote but also plays the lead role in the show Hearts of Men which opens this week in Auckland.

The show follows a young Tongan's dream to win gold for his country at the Olympics and the adversity in his journey leading up to the event.

The production earned Mr Mateni the 2018 Tongan Youth Trust for Music and Art Award.

Albert Mateni said there were not many Tongan playwrights or theatre productions in New Zealand and he hoped to pave the way for more.