Delivering laugh after laugh, Happy Feraren’s play SAVIOR, hilariously blurs the lines between helping and self-interest, while asking: who is the real savior?

Feraren brings her stand-up comedy wit to the theatre with a script packed with sharp satire and biting humour. Inspired by her experience working for NGOs in the Philippines, the play exposes uncomfortable truths about aid work, privilege and compassion.

SAVIOR opens with voiceover news reports warning of an approaching typhoon and detailing the devastation left in its wake. The situation on the ground is dire, but relief is at hand with international aid workers and NGOs rushing to help – or so it seems.

Local project officer Michelle (Chrissy Mae Valentine) is coordinating a global relief effort for an American-run NGO. Working in her dream job on her first major project, she’s eager to prove herself – and impress her boss, who she’s also has a crush on.

Competing egos, corporate agendas and self-serving “humanitarianism” quickly surface. Complicating matters further is Michelle’s bestie Janna (Chaye Mogg), who swipes left and right on the influx of foreign humanitarian workers before deciding to set Michelle up with her first-ever Tinder profile.

Michael Whalley plays Michelle’s smooth-talking boss Joe, along with multiple Tinder profiles, each delivered in a different accent to the delight of the audience. The matchmaking subplot unfolding amid disaster works surprisingly well, with a gallery of “horny boys without borders” providing comic relief against the heavy reality of the crisis.

All the cast are wonderful but special mention must go to Mark Paguio in the role of Jobert. Not only is the character the emotional soul of the play, but Paguio delivers a deeply moving performance as the transport relief worker. His facial expressions are precise, tender and heartfelt, smiling through tears before erupting in a powerful breakdown filled with anger and frustration. A standout moment comes when he shifts between joy, rage, sadness and honesty within milliseconds, showcasing remarkable control and range.

Directed by Kenneth Moraleda, the story moves at an engaging pace. Whilst the play is primarily performed in English, the inclusion of lines in Filipino adds authenticity.

Dramatic lighting by Brockman astutely conveys the gravity, while sound designer and composer Dobby balances the tension with humour through exaggerated romantic sound effects. Hailley Hunt’s  versatile set transforms from a five-star hotel room to a luxury swimming pool and a disaster zone with ease. Small costume details, such as the soft hotel slippers commonly supplied by luxury accommodation, further enrich the world of the play.

Feraren shares: “Comedy for me is such a great way to receive truth. People laugh because they recognise the truth in ridiculous situations. And in that moment, it creates a small sense of relief. Laughter is a sign that people are listening.”

SAVIOR is a reminder that good intentions are never quite as simple as they seem. The play challenges boundaries and asks audiences to reconsider what is right and what is wrong when balancing career, family and community. Feraren uses humour to unpack heavy, complex issues in a way that feels both relatable and eye-opening. Highly recommend.

5 stars

SAVIOR was commissioned through the Incubator – NSW Theatre (Emerging) Fellowship in collaboration with Griffin Theatre Company in 2021. The work was later developed with support from Griffin Studio Workshop donors, the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, and through a residency at Theatre and Performance Studies, the University of Sydney. The premiere production of SAVIOR is supported through Griffin’s Production Partner program.

Presented by Griffin Theatre SAVIOR  is playing at Downstairs Theatre, Belvoir in Redfern Sydney until 14 June 2026.

Run time: 85 minutes (no interval)

For tickets visit Griffin Theatre