Born in the Cook Islands, actress Angelina Thomson wrote a heartfelt message following the premiere of a scene she claims is dear to her.
Because it honoured her culture, the Home and Away actress called it “one of the proudest and most vulnerable moments” of her career to yet.
Her character Kirby was shown in the widely watched Channel 7 drama keeping a hospital bedside vigil for Remi (Adam Rowland), who is fighting for his life following a motorcycle accident.
Kirby joins Bree (Juliet Godwin) in a moving Cook Islander spiritual song, declaring that she wants to sing to give Remi courage.
Thomson shared a video of the scene on Instagram along with an explanation of its personal meaning.
“I’ve experienced both vulnerability and pride at this moment on @homeandaway thus far. At least thus far in my profession,” she remarked.
While my comprehension of Cook Island Māori is still limited, I did not acquire fluency in the language growing up.
“My mother played Cook Island music in the car and at home, taught me how to hula, and I loved hearing her speak Reo.
“But I never really tried to learn the language when I was younger, and I’m sure a lot of people who are biracial feel the same regret I do now.”
Because of this, Thomson claims that the day she filmed the scene was the first time she had ever “felt more vulnerable performing.”
She clarified, “It wasn’t about the acting or the singing.”
“I was afraid I might mispronounce the words or pronounce them incorrectly.
Rather than donning more layers to develop a persona, it seemed as though I was peeling them off to show more of Angelina.
It seemed significant. To the plot. to my cultural background. To me now, as a mixed-race lady.
“To little Angelina, I’ve never seen that on movies or TV shows.” To picture themselves as future Polynesian children. So much stuff!
It’s a truly lovely and delicate thing. That’s why it now holds such significance for me.
The actress says she is eager to go on this adventure and that she still has a lot to learn about her “beautiful” culture.
Growing up, she claims, it didn’t seem imaginable that there would ever be “Cook Island representation” on television.
She remarked, “I am so very proud to be able to represent the Cook Islands and Polynesia like this now.”
Congratulations were left in the comments section by co-stars and fans.
Juliet Godwin, an actress, said, “Amazing work Ange ❤️.”
“I’m happy for you, @angelinathomson. That is really a memorable moment 👏🏽 Laura Vazquez, the hair and makeup artist for Home and Away, expressed her pride in the show.
“You did a fantastic job, and even though I regrettably couldn’t understand a word, it was a very moving moment!” One of the viewers wrote.
Another said, “Such a special scene to watch!”
