(Interview aired on 08/05/2025) Victor Rodger is a celebrated New Zealand journalist, playwright, and actor. He began his writing career with National Radio’s children’s programme Ears before debuting his first play Sons in 1995.

 After graduating from Toi Whakaari he continued writing and acting, with Cunning Stunts and a reworked Sons earning critical acclaim, including four Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards. 

Victor won the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award in 2001 and premiered Ranterstantrum at the 2002 New Zealand Festival. 

His later works, including My Name is Gary Cooper (2007) and Black Faggot (2013), gained national and international success. 

He has held prestigious writing residencies and in 2021 was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to theatre and Pacific arts.  

Victor joins us on Island Time to talk about the return of Black Faggot to the stage and his new work in progress Sons of Vaiala