A boy welcomes us into his world: the fictitious beachside community of Te Parenga, a golden territory in the land of milk and honey. Life here is idyllic and simple, filled with sun-drenched days by the sea.

But as time goes on, the encroaching reality of the outside world starts to seep in. The Queen Street riots ignite whispers of unrest and Boy watches from the sidelines as the local policeman tries to keep the peace. Christmas comes and goes and life feels like it’s flatlining until he stumbles across local eccentric, Firpo. At first Boy is frightened by Firpo’s strangeness then later he finds himself captivated by Firpo’s dedication to “getting himself fit for the Olympic Games”. Curiosity changes everything about that summer.

Filled with bravado, the local lads challenge Firpo to a race and Boy prays he’ll beat them to the finish line. History runs its course, then some weeks later, when Boy goes to visit Firpo, he’s gone. He is suddenly struck by the realisation that summer is fleeting and - like his childhood - it is coming to an end.

“...a powerfully insightful and poignant coming-of-age story that every New Zealander should be familiar with.” - John Smythe, Theatreview

“Bruce Mason’s masterpiece continues to astound, entertain and reveal deeper levels of meaning.” - Paul Simei-Barton, Theatreview