Wan Smolbag to debut new play Eye of the Needle tomorrow

June 18, 2026 11:26 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Wan Smolbag Theatre will stage its new production on Saturday, 20 June, with the launch of Eye of the Needle, a stage play that explores love, family struggles and inequality.

The story follows Bobby and Anita, two students who fall in love despite coming from very different backgrounds. Bobby’s family lives in a poor community on land owned by Anita’s much wealthier family, and their path to happiness is filled with challenges.

The play is written by Jo Dorras and directed by Peter Walker, featuring many of Wan Smolbag’s well-known actors.

Titus Joseph plays Anita’s father, while his wife, played by Evelyn George, requires medical treatment overseas. The storyline raises questions about whether the family can afford the cost of her treatment.

Virana T. David plays Bobby’s single mother, Rona. Rona’s daughter, who has lost her mental stability due to excessive drug use, is played by Liliane Tasso, whose performance in Wan Smolbag’s recently released film Hemi Lavem Mi has received positive feedback on YouTube.

Comments on the film include:

“This film speaks volumes as gender-based violence is an existing problem in Melanesian societies. This should be televised across the Pacific! Tenkyiu Vanuatu-WSBT…greetings from PNG.”

“We are planning an awareness programme on gender-based violence and violence against women and girls. I will recommend showing that video as part of our program. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Papua New Guinea.”

Liliane’s sister, Dorina Tasso, plays her first main role with Wan Smolbag as Anita, while Anita’s boyfriend is played by David Moses, who also features in the film Trees on YouTube.

The production brings together a wide range of talent within the group, with experienced actors such as Morinda Tari, Helen Kailo and Sereana Kalkaua supporting minor roles and mentoring newer performers.

Alongside acting, Danny Marcel leads the lighting and set design team, creating a stage design that depicts a settlement home on one side and a formal living room on the other.

The musical score features songs composed by Florence V. Taga.

This 85-minute drama will be performed every Wednesday and Saturday from 20 June to 25 July.

This year’s production will be staged with seating on one side of the theatre only, limiting capacity to 90 people per show.

Wan Smolbag strongly advises audiences to purchase tickets in advance from the Wan Smolbag Publications Office or the Ex-Post Office in town, as seating is limited.

The play is not suitable for children under 12.

However, children will be able to watch films supervised by Wan Smolbag staff in the adjacent cinema room.