Fekei (Qtopia)

Written by Sarah Carroll. Qtopia Loading Dock Theatre. Oct 8 – 18, 2025.

For many Fiji is a holiday destination for sun, beaches and friendly locals, but for Akanisi (Melissa Applin) it’s the home of her extended family and some tough decisions she has to face. Born in Australia, she suffers the same dislocated ennui of many second generation Aussies – feeling that pull of another island on her heart.

But Akanisi’s return to Fiji this time is fraught as she goes back into the closet for fear of the wrath of her grandmother and her deeply religious views. This doesn’t impress her white, Aussie girlfriend Sam (Natalie Patterson) who gets demoted to “roommate”. But maybe the two lesbians aren’t the only queer people in the household… Akanisi’s cousin Fatiaki (Naisa Lasalosi) does seem to love the musical Wicked quite a lot…

Fekei trends fairly similar ground to many second-gen immigrant stories, especially those centred on queer characters. The tension between a progressive and open life in Australia is at odds with the more religious and traditional focus on family expectations back home. The specificity of Fijian culture adds colour, but doesn’t stray far from the formula.

Carroll’s script is heartfelt but clearly still working out its own rhythms. At a tight 60 minutes, there is room for more depth and more originality. The drama is perfunctory but the comedy keeps the play alive. Kikki Temple and Naisa Lasalosi both turn out fun, silly performances that play with the audience. Some of the laughs are cheap, but they’re genuine. Temple especially gives Akanisi’s grandmother a loving but steely edge that will not bend – both hilarious and heartbreaking.

Fekei feels like it’s still figuring out what form it will finally take, and this production at Qtopia is a good place to get it up in front of audiences and see how its landing. Once the script is finessed and handed over a more confident director it will be interesting to see what Fekei’s potential might yield.