A tale about migration, identity, truth and reconciliation looks set to rock the boat on stage.

Passage, by Fiona Graham, is a new play that features four women who laugh, lie, kick, push, insult and tease, all within the confines of their abandoned boat.

The show was first inspired by Brazilian artist Ana Maria Pacheco's sculpture of a life-sized boat, called the Longest Journey, but for the English-born playwright the journey from script to stage was also lengthy.

"I had written a trilogy of plays and I wanted to build on this work and write from the longest journey," she says.

Passage was initially commissioned by the British Art Council in 2002.

At that time illegal immigrant entry through the English Channel tunnel from France was widely reported in the news.

Ms Graham says the script has undergone extensive research and development, as well as an Auckland relocation in 2004. It has also been read and influenced by many practitioners who have left an imprint on the text.

The Grey Lynn resident says because Passage reflects New Zealand in transition, it can't help but have international relevance.

"I've always been fascinated by the stories of people forced to leave their land. It's been a passage for me too – moving to New Zealand and working on this."

With help from designer Stephen Bain, the multi media production uses film to provide a boundless ocean backdrop, while drawing on the acting talents of Rachel Nash and Donogh Rees.

Performance graduates Lavinia Uhila and Antonia Stehlin make their professional debut.

"It's been such a cool experience. Visually I think it's exciting. It's an epic journey that's beautifully reflected," Miss Stehlin says.

The all-female cast is directed by Lauren Jackson who says she loves how dynamic the play is and how gutsy the women characters are.

"It's an exciting piece of theatre and the coming together of lots of things I love."

Passage by Fiona Graham premieres tomorrow night at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, at 8pm and runs until November 20. Tickets cost $20 and $25.

(Source Central Leader)