Pork and Poll Taxes

This is a heart-wrenching family tragedy inspired by the histories of Chinese market gardeners during Aotearoa’s poll tax era. Deeply grounded in research and cultural specificity, the play centres Chinese voices and experiences that have long been marginalised in mainstream narratives. The play delves into migration, racism and shifting family dynamics with heart, drama, and urgency.

1891, New Gold Mountain. Jiu Choy impulsively decides to immigrate to Aotearoa to escape the pressures back home and start a new life with his wife, Shui Ching. What begins as an idealistic dream quickly spirals out of control when Shui Ching sends their only son, Kam Loi, in her place. This triggers a chain of events that pits family member against family member as they fight for what they each believe is the ‘better life’. Jiu Choy’s obsession, Shui Ching’s stubbornness, and Kam Loi’s desperation to please threaten to shatter the family apart. However, greater societal and political powers are at play, which will ultimately determine the fate of this family.