KAUPAPA | ABOUT

“Flanker!? I don’t even know her!?!”

Written and performed by Raureti Ormond, Grass Roots is a semi-autobiographical musical comedy based on his life as the (very) queer son of a pro rugby player. 

From the club fields to Eden Park, a young man embarks on an odyssey through the New Zealand Rugby Ages. Join him in this historical exploration of queerness, masculinity, and the mighty Land of the Long White Cloud. Featuring iconic Kiwi hits, you’re in for a ruck-us night! Lace up those cleats… Grass Roots is about to kick off!

This solo show examines the good and the bad of rugby; the machismo and dysfunction, the camaraderie and pride. It unearths the forgotten stories of the game, from the legends of 18th Century Warwickshire to the tales of the 1981 Springbok Tour – and you can’t forget a very important stop in the clubhouse changing room! Most importantly, it speaks to the nature of growing up as a takatāpui/queer person in Aotearoa.

The ultimate catharsis is found within the bond shared by a father and son, who seemingly come from two different worlds, but teach each other the true measure of what it means to be a man.

NGĀ TĀNGATA | CREATIVES

Kaituhi | Writer — Raureti Ormond
Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Raureti Ormond
Operator — Grace O’Brien