The South Afreakins

Helene and Gordon are stuck. Stuck in their same armchairs, on their same farm and in their same rut. One longs to get out and experience everything the world and retirement has to offer, while the other won’t leave his milk tart.

When they finally leave everything they’ve ever known and immigrate to New Zealand, the result is hilarious and heart-breaking as they discover it’s hard work to find ‘home’. The South Afreakins is about displacement, immigration and finding that home cannot only exist within places, but within people.

In a rapid, dance-like duologue Paterson switches between her two characters, Helene and Gordon, to create a story of loss, family and the true meaning of ‘home’ that is at once heart-breaking, hilarious and universally relatable.

Supported By Creative New Zealand and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.