HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - HAANZ FA'AVAE-JACKSON

HAANZ FA'AVAE-JACKSON 

ACTOR 

NIUEAN / TONGAN / SAMOAN 

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My name is Haanz Fa’avae Jackson. Born in South Auckland, where I still reside with my big Otahuhu family. My bloodline runs through Niue, Tonga & Samoa. When I'm not working on my career or spending time with family, I help manage "Konfident Clothing", a clothing brand me and my brother launched mid lock down. When there's no work, make work. 

How long have you been in the entertainment industry and do you have a highlight or favourite experience in your career so far?

I graduated from PIPA in 2014, and I haven't stopped performing since.  Started strong on the theatre stage, where I really got to sharpen my craft and find my feet as a professional performer & actor, which then later on lead to the huge world of screen.

Highlights for me would have to be the travelling. I never really got to travel much as a kid, but I had always wanted to. Years later, now a trained performing artist, I get to tour with theatre shows, doing films, and the one thing I love the most about it all, is that this is what I do for work.

You're starring in a new theatre production which is opening this week - can you please tell us what 'North by Northwest' is about in your own words?

North By Northwest is an adaptation by Carolyn Burns, of a famous Alfred Hitchcock film from the 1950s that starred actor Cary Grant as the lead role. Roger O. Thornhill is Manhatten advertising executive who is on the run from Cops, Feds, Russian Gangsters and a Beautiful Blonde, who have all mistaken Thornhill for a spy/assassin by the name of George Kaplan. He goes on this massive mission to figure out who this Kaplan is, and why everyone thinks it's him. The show is packed with action, twists, swift transitions, and a classic cliffhanger. 

What attracted you to the role & to being involved in the production?

I've always loved working with Auckland Theatre Company, so I knew it was going to be a fun gig. Film adaptations are always fun to watch, even more so to be in. Period pieces that go all out on costumes and props really helps when it comes to playing these characters. Time warping our audiences back in time is heaps of fun to watch & to perform. North by Northwest is definitely more than what I was expecting, and it's been the best.

Can you tell us a little bit about the character you play in your own words?

Oi aue I play over 20 characters in this show. I get to work on my New York accent which has been mean. I get a chance to really lean into it when I’m playing these cops in the show. I’ve taken inspiration from those old school action movies like Die Hard! The show moves so quickly, and there's so many tracks, I try do the most whenever I'm on stage using my Niu York accent - cheehoo!

What has been a highlight during the rehearsal process of North by Northwest and was there anything you found challenging with the role? 

The highlight for me was getting to work with people I've never worked with before. I'm one of the youngest in the company, and I'm surrounded by actors who have been acting most my life. I was real anxious those first couple days. Scared I would say the wrong thing or ask a dumb question, lol but I found my rhythm and this amazing cast and crew who were once strangers, have all now become family through this beast of a show. 

Check out some of the rehearsal footage below - 

Who are your biggest acting inspirations and why? 

Cliff Curtis, Taika Waititi, Beulah Koale, Temuera Morrison, Karl Urban, Sala Baker, Nathaniel Lees, Marton Csokas & every other kiwi actor who has done our country proud in the art of acting all across the world. Im looking forward to the day I get to rub shoulders & work with these kiwi giants. Cheehoo!!!

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What do you love about being a Pacific Islander today?

I love that there are more Pacific Islanders telling more of our stories. I love that our languages are being heard more and more. I love that our people are still fighting all the good fights!  It feels too good to be a Pacific Islander today.

What advice would you give to other young Pasifika actors wanting to get into the industry? 

Do it because you love it, and do it all the way. There shouldn't be any other reason more important than that.

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Catch Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson performing in Auckland Theatre Company’s New Zealand premiere season of Hitchcock’s masterpiece North by Northwest, live on stage at ASB Waterfront Theatre.  On now, playing until 19 November.  Tickets atc.co.nz