A little known Samoan love story from the 1930’s has aroused the interest of many in the territory, both young and old, after it was performed as a play by the Leone Catholic Youth during the Amerika Samoa Humanities Council’s Drama Festival at Kanana Fou gymnasium last Friday.
The story tells the origin of the point at Fagaalu, simply known as Tolotolo o Su’e.
Written and directed by Tapa’au Dr. Dan Aga, the production has been praised by Papalii Dr Failautusi Avegalio, a nephew of the said Su’e.
“Thank you for your amazing leadership in the development, production and directing of the play about my Aunt Su’e,” Papali’i wrote Tapaau.
The amazing story is the forbidden love story between Su’e Avegalio, a young trainee nurse from Leon and a US Naval Corpsman who nhad been training her to be a nurse.
US servicemen at the time were not allowed to fraternize with ‘locals’ and it didnt help that Su’e was also being courted by a Faife’au from Malua.
According to Papalii, “The production costumes were excellent and era appropriate. The nursing dresses were appropriate to photos of the 1930’s and navy sailor and officer uniforms spot on. First impressions were like, ‘wow!’
Papalii said there are less than a handful (if that) of people living today, who knew Su’e.
“Uncle Augafa in his late 80’s, her youngest brother being one of them. Having Lia, Su’e’s great niece, play the lead role as Su’e was totally compelling.”
Papalii had earlier researched and written a piece on his aunty Su’e after hearing then Lt Governor Tauese Sunia sing a ballad about her.
“As incredible as it may seem, I like to think her spirit came to me through a song, sung by former Lt Governor Tauese (Sunia) so many years ago in Washington DC. It haunted me until last night when I saw the play that shook me to my core. It was during the final scene when the realization of it all came together for me followed by an amazing sense of warmth and peace,” he wrote.
Many are wondering if the play will again be staged but it is not clear if it will.
Actual grave of Sue Avegalio in Leone
Avegalio continued: “In the final act, a priest in his accouterments of religious robes walked out onto the stage and as he nears the grave stone, sprinkles holy water in the back, front and sides then stands solemnly behind it as hand bells can be heard in the background.
“The aiga then comes onto the stage each carrying either a lei, bouquets or beautiful flower arrangement like that made for Siona for so many years. In their lavalava’s and muumuu’s the scene of the aiga was especially poignant as each member placed their gifts of alofa expressed through flowers alongside the gravestone. The scene was heavy with the spirit of redemption, forgiveness and love. Su’e and the aiga are finally at peace”.
Sadly the US Naval Corpsman’s name is still not known to this day.
Photos: Frances Auvaa Nautu
