Sibling Rivalry and Family Conflict Played Out on Stage
An Afakasi (mixed race) family is torn apart by bitter sibling rivalry. LENA an educated Samoan woman struggles to
understand MAMA’s unconditional love for her half-brother VILIAMU, who unlike LENA is a half caste Palagi/German.
The conflict over who should control the family plantation reflects a much broader clash between traditional Samoan
values and the emerging spirit of competitive individualism.
As the family feud unfolds the village community is drawn into a shocking explosion of violence and revenge that leads
to a resolution through the ifoga – a traditional Samoan ceremony of forgiveness
Playwright Jason Greenwood draws on his experiences of growing up in Samoa in the post-war era to present a compelling
and revealing account of the period that laid the foundations of New Zealand’s relationship with Samoa.
Pacific Theatre in partnership with THE EDGE® is proud to present LENA for a strictly limited season as part of the
STAMP programme. LENA runs from Saturday 3 to Saturday 10 November, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE®. Tickets are
$10 - $15 and can be purchased through Ticketek, (09) 307 5000, www.ticketek.co.nz
STAMP offers audiences the opportunity to experience and access a host of performing arts experiences from Auckland’s
most innovative and creative arts companies. The home of STAMP is THE EDGE®. Core funder of STAMP is Auckland City
Council.
ENDS