HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - THE GENTLE BOYS

Collective of Multi-Disciplinary Creative Artsts

Seiyan Thompson (Actor, Director) 

Aitutaki, Mauke / Kuki Airani / Ngāti Mahuta, Aotearoa 
Born and raised in Te Waipounamu, Murihiku, Invercargill

Brett Taefu (Actor)

Tanugamanono and Salamumu Samoa
Born and raised in Newlands, Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington

Albert Latailakepa  (Actor) 

Luatuanu'u / Samoa, Maʻufanga/Tonga
Born and raised in Te Awakairangi ki Uta, Upper Hutt, Silverstream 

Caleb Teaupa  (Actor)

Tuʻanuku Tonga, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara Aotearoa
Born and raised in Whakapirau, Wellsford

Havea Latu (Creative Media, Videographer, Graphic Design, Photography) 

Longolongo, Tefisi and Holopeka Tonga, Tuapa Niue
Born in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, raised in Papamoa

Kaisa Faʻatui (Actor, Writer) Not featured in the show but part of the collective

Faʻatoia, Vaiala, Gataivai, Vaitoʻomuli, Palauli and Vaovai Falealili Samoa
Born and raised in Te Awakairangi Taitā, Lower Hutt

-

How did The Gentle Boys come together? What sparked the idea to form a collective, and what brought you together creatively?

We all trained at Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Drama School, in Te Whanganui a Tara. Albert and Kaisa graduated in 2020, Seiyan and Brett in 2022, and Kelepi in 2023. Alongside training, many of us lived together in a flat in the hills of Brooklyn known as The Grove. Sharing space, ideas and everyday life naturally led to collaboration, and over time that sense of shared purpose evolved into The Gentle Boys.

As Pasifika creatives working in theatre and performance, what shared challenges have you faced navigating the arts space in Aotearoa?

Many of the challenges we face echo those experienced by Pasifika artists before us. Staying committed to the craft, holding faith in a long-term vision, and trusting that the journey is a marathon rather than a sprint are constant tests. There is also the challenge of perseverance: continuing to show up, make work and back ourselves even when progress feels slow.

Tell us about D Things n Such. How did the project come about, and what was the collective’s involvement in bringing it to life?

D Things n Such began as a short work-in-development created for a final assessment at drama school by Seiayn, where students are encouraged to experiment with making their own work. The original piece was a 15-minute showing presented in the basement at Te Whaea. The response was immediate and encouraging, so we kept developing it. In 2024 it grew into a 30-minute season at BATS Theatre, and now in 2026 it has evolved into a full-length work. The collective has been central to that journey, with each member contributing creatively, practically and emotionally to bring the work to life.

Circa Theatre’s 50th anniversary season features D Things n Such as a standout Pasifika work. What does that mean to you as a collective, and why is this moment significant?

Many Pasifika artists have performed at Circa Theatre over the years, so to be part of that legacy during its 50th anniversary feels special. Presenting this work in its fullest form, with the complete cast and creative team, feels like a full-circle moment. More than anything, we’re excited to share the work, get on stage, and enjoy the experience with audiences coming through. We look forward to not only Circa Theatre, but every other performance place 

How do you collectively bring your cultures into this show, both onstage and behind the scenes?

A core part of our practice is being serious about being unserious. As Pacific people, humour, joy and play are often how we navigate pressure, challenge and responsibility. That spirit carries through both onstage and off. We also prioritise care within the group, making time to connect beyond the work by laughing, talking, eating together and checking in with one another. That responsibility to care for each other sits at the heart of how we create.

In what ways have your individual and shared cultural experiences shaped the creatives you are today?

Our cultures ground us in community, storytelling and responsibility to one another. Growing up across different parts of Aotearoa and the Pacific has shaped how we see the world and how we approach making work. Those lived experiences influence the stories we tell, the humour we use, and the way we collaborate, reminding us that creativity doesn’t exist in isolation but comes from who and where we come from.

What does working as a collective allow you to do that working solo might not, especially as young Pasifika artists?

For The Gentle Boys, collaboration is central to how the work is made. Bringing together people with different upbringings and perspectives creates a richer and more dynamic creative process. As Caleb explains, “Getting multiple perspectives from different upbringings makes the work much more interesting.”

Working closely with friends also allows for honesty and accountability. “It’s easy to check your mates, and your mates check you,” Caleb says. “It’s always for the work and always for the better.” Seiyan adds that having a shared purpose strengthens not just the outcome, but the relationships themselves.

Brett speaks to the freedom collaboration creates. “It allows people to have fun with each other,” he says, “and it allows failure to be celebrated.” That sense of play takes the pressure off perfection and opens space for experimentation.

Albert highlights the practical benefits. “If you run out of ideas, there’s other people in the room that might have the answers,” he says. “You get instant feedback, and it doesn’t feel like it’s all on you, you’ve got people to fail around with.” Together, that collective energy makes the process less isolating and far more rewarding.

What advice would The Gentle Boys give to other Pacific rangatahi who are interested in theatre, acting, or the arts more broadly?

The group’s advice centres on courage, curiosity and action. Kelepi puts it simply: “Be brave, be curious and be honest.”

Seiyan reflects on the importance of starting and learning through doing. “I wish I started earlier. By doing, you’re getting one percent better.” For him, growth comes from consistency rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

Albert encourages balance and joy. “Take a chance, take yourself seriously and don’t take yourself seriously. Have fun with it.”

There is also a strong emphasis on speaking ambition out loud and leaning into community. The group encourages rangatahi to share their goals, confide in friends, and be willing to make the first move. Often, everyone is waiting for someone else, so be the one who gives it a go.

Where can people find and follow The Gentle Boys, and where can they see D Things n Such?

Have a laugh with us in person: Tickets for D Things n Such Fri 13 Feb - Sat 28 Feb Available via the following link: https://www.circa.co.nz/package/dthings-n-such/

Have a laugh with us on your phone: Follow The Gentle Boys on Instagram & Tik Tok at thegentleboys_