BEHIND every confident smile and polished appearance may be a story no one else can see.
That quiet truth lies at the heart of High Functioning, an original Fijian musical theatre production that invites audiences to look beyond the masks people wear every day.
For four months, a group made up of some of Suva’s experienced performers have been rehearsing a production that moves seamlessly between comedy, contemporary dance, live music and deeply personal storytelling.
Written and directed by Emma Ragg-Newland, High Functioning reunites many performers who previously worked together on the successful 2023 production of Mamma Mia!
The production also features choreography and movement direction by Tevita Tobeyaweni of MATA Dance Crew, whose dancers play a central role in bringing the story to life.
Rather than retelling a familiar musical, the team chose to create an entirely original Fijian work.
“We became interested in the gap between how people look and how they actually feel,” Ms Ragg-Newland said.
“Many of us have become experts at appearing successful, capable and ‘high functioning’, even when we’re struggling. The play explores what happens when those carefully maintained performances begin to crack.
“We wanted to tell that story with humour, music and movement rather than as a lecture.”
When the masks begin to slip
Set over several nights out among a group of friends, High Functioning follows characters who’s carefully constructed public identities slowly unravel.
As the parties continue, the pressures of work, family and personal expectations become impossible to hide.
Instead of relying solely on dialogue, the production uses music and choreography to express emotions that words often cannot.
“Some experiences are difficult to express through dialogue alone,” Ms Ragg-Newland said.
“Music and movement allow the audience to feel what the characters are experiencing rather than simply hearing about it.
“That means we can explore themes like addiction, anxiety and burnout without becoming preachy. Theatre is at its most powerful when audiences are invited to find their own meaning in what they see.”
The result is an hour-long performance that balances sharp humour with moments of emotional vulnerability.
Audiences can expect explosive contemporary dance, live musical storytelling and choreography that becomes an integral part of the narrative rather than simply accompanying it.
Movement becomes the language
Central to the production is the work of MATA Dance Crew, widely recognised for their contemporary style and athletic performances.
Ms Ragg-Newland said the company brought a unique storytelling quality to the stage.
“What makes them unique is their explosive athleticism, their deep storytelling capability through movement, and their ability to blend distinct Fijian and Pacific energy with modern street and contemporary styles.”
She said one scene stands out.
“There’s a moment where choreography and story become one. It’s the point where someone who has spent the entire evening holding themselves together can no longer do it.
“It’s one of the most emotionally powerful scenes in the production.”
Months of dedication
Creating the production has demanded more than technical skill.
The performers have spent nearly four months developing the show, moving between comedy, emotionally vulnerable scenes and physically demanding choreography, often within the same performance.
“This has been an incredibly demanding process,” Ms Ragg-Newland said.
“We’ve spent nearly four months rehearsing to build not only the technical precision required but also the trust needed to tell such an honest story together.”
Like many independent productions, bringing the show to the stage has required considerable commitment before opening night.
“Venues, lighting, sound, costumes and paying artists all require significant investment long before opening night,” she said.
“Independent theatre depends on enormous commitment, careful planning and a community willing to believe in original local work.”
That community support has played an important role throughout the production.
“The solidarity has been amazing. From local creatives sharing our work, to artists volunteering their time, gear and advice, Suva’s creative community always rallies.
“When one independent show succeeds, it paves the way for the next one.”
Telling Fiji’s own stories
Beyond entertaining audiences, the creative team hopes High Functioning contributes to the growing landscape of independent theatre in Fiji.
Ms Ragg-Newland believes original productions create opportunities for artists while encouraging conversations about contemporary life.
“Independent theatre creates space for stories that might not otherwise be told,” she said.
“It allows artists to explore complex social issues, challenge assumptions and reflect contemporary Fijian life through local voices.
“The more we tell our own stories on stage, the better we understand one another, while also building a stronger and more sustainable creative industry.”
She said productions like High Functioning also help strengthen Fiji’s creative sector by giving performers, dancers, musicians and other creatives opportunities to work professionally on ambitious local productions.
More than entertainment
The production will be staged at the USP Pacific Australia Performance Space, where its intimate cabaret setting allows audiences to experience every laugh, silence and emotional moment up close.
Although the show explores difficult themes, its creators hope audiences leave feeling entertained while recognising parts of themselves in the characters.
“The show is for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to appear like they have everything under control,” Ms Ragg-Newland said.
“We hope audiences leave entertained first and foremost but also recognising something of themselves or someone they love in these characters.
“The play doesn’t offer simple answers, but it does invite us to look more honestly at the ways we cope with pressure.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes High Functioning is another step towards a thriving independent performing arts sector where original Fijian productions become a regular feature of the country’s cultural landscape.
“We want to see a thriving independent performing arts sector where original Fijian stories are being developed and staged regularly alongside established productions,” Ms Ragg-Newland said.
“Fiji has extraordinary creative talent. Our hope is to keep creating ambitious local work that can grow audiences at home while eventually finding its way onto regional and international stages.”
The show will be held at the USP Pacific Australia Performance Space (Black Box Theatre) on July 10 and July 11.
Exploring the deeply human themes of modern life behind the scenes.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Showcasing the high-energy, vibrant style of the cabaret dance. Picture: SUPPLIED
