Overstayers, by Hans Masoe, is a powerful theatrical production that reflects on the lived realities of Pacific migrants who arrived, worked and built their lives in Aotearoa during the era of the Dawn Raids.
A playwright’s perspective
Playwright Hans Masoe describes the Dawn Raids as both a deeply personal and historically significant subject:
‘As an artist, the Dawn Raids era has been very fascinating to me, both because of my own family history and its impact on our people as a whole. For years, I’ve imagined how best to approach this topic, and this opportunity has given me the chance to explore it through theatre.
In Overstayers, I have taken key moments and scenes from this period and explored them within a theatrical context. This approach demanded actors with a high level of skill and depth, and I am incredibly fortunate to have such a talented cast and dedicated team behind me. Their exceptional abilities have brought this story to life in ways I had only dreamed of.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope Overstayers resonates with you and sparks important conversations about our shared history.’
Setting the scene
Set in Ponsonby, once home to thriving Pacific communities, the play captures both contribution and challenge. It draws out the competing and conflicting experiences of the time, giving a strong sense of the opportunities Pacific peoples pursued, alongside the mixed realities they faced. The result is a complex and deeply human portrayal of life in Aotearoa during this period.
Beginning with arrival, Overstayers traces the excitement, expectations and pressures of Pacific migration. Characters arrive as people arrive from Pacific islands in search of work, to send money home and to build better futures through work and education.
Moving beyond the stillness of passport photos, the play brings audiences into scenes of family life, factory work, nightlife and the tightening immigration policies under Prime Minister Muldoon. As curfews, policing, racism, and barriers to support intensify, Overstayers exposes how Pacific peoples were unfairly targeted and surveilled during the Dawn Raids.
Production details
Overstayers was brought to life by Cast Productions and staged at Māngere Arts Centre, Auckland, from 25 to 27 July 2024.
This blog is part of an ongoing effort to record, and share lived experiences of the Dawn Raids era. Community stories are vital in ensuring this history is remembered, understood, and passed on. If you would like to share a story on our platform, please get in touch at [email protected]