The Boy from Vaiala

Father of three, maître d’ to the stars, founder of an iconic drag bar, always fabulous, Pasi Daniells Silva was a character born for the big stage. He was a raconteur of tall tales, his dancing was full of flair and his presence was larger than life.

Purchase tickets
  • Words by Auckland Theatre Company
  • Last updated 27 Oct 2026

Victor Rodger ONZM (Sāmoa: Iva; Scotland: Broughty Ferry) has written an affectionate love letter to his Uncle Pasi. Full of sass and wit, featuring both Grindr and God, this biography doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the mirror ball.

As Pasi approaches his 90th birthday, his nephew Levi presses him for all the stories from his long and unlikely life, having sashayed from Vaiala to Vegas, Hawai'i to Wellington. Whether he’s bossing around the queens at Les Girls, or finding peace with his three sons, Semu Filipo (Sāmoa: Fetausi, Safotulafai. Vailoa, Palauli. Tokelau: Fakaofo, Nukunonu, Atafu) (O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala'ai, Things That Matter) gives an utterly hilarious and deeply touching performance.

Directed by Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Sāmoa: Vailoa Faleata, Vaiusu, Fagae'e Safune), whose projects in 2026 included Sons of Vao and Silo Theatre’s A View from the Bridge, this will be a celebration of the most unlikely Sāmoan man of his generation.
 

Ticket Information

  • Premium: $77.00

  • Adult - A Reserve: $65.00

  • Senior, Group 6+ - A Reserve: $60.00

  • Group 12+ - A Reserve: $55.00

  • Concession - A Reserve: $45.00

  • Adult - B Reserve: $52.00

  • Senior, Group 6+ - B Reserve: $47.00

  • Group 12+ - B Reserve: $42.00

  • Concession - B Reserve: $32.00

  • 30 & Under: $30.00

Location Te wāhi
ASB Waterfront Theatre
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Wynyard Quarter
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

ASB Waterfront Theatre is at 138 Halsey Street in Wynyard Quarter, around a 17-minute walk from Waitematā Station. The CityLink and other bus services stop nearby, while theatre parking can be pre-booked on Jellicoe Street.
For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Arrive early for a waterfront stroll or a pre-show drink and bite at the theatre bar. If driving, pre-book your parking, as spaces around Wynyard Quarter can fill quickly on performance nights.

Accessibility Huarahi ngāwari

All entrances and theatre levels are wheelchair accessible, with lift access, wheelchair seating and accessible toilets available. The theatre also offers hearing assistance, welcomes assistance dogs and schedules audio-described, NZSL-interpreted and relaxed performances. Visit the accessible theatre page for more information.

“A writer whose voice is unabashedly his own, deeply authentic and subversive...”

— Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Panel

Dates and Times
  • Tue 02 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Wed 03 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Thu 04 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Fri 05 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Sat 06 Mar 2pm - 4pm
  • Sat 06 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Sun 07 Mar 4pm - 6pm
  • Tue 09 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Wed 10 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Thu 11 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Fri 12 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Sat 13 Mar 2pm - 4pm
  • Sat 13 Mar 7pm - 9pm
  • Sun 14 Mar 4pm - 6pm