Kneubuhl’s “Think of a Garden” re-staged in NZ

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American Samoa’s Hollywood screenwriter John Kneubuhl’s writing continues to be performed and inspire new
generations around the world, long after his death.

His famous work, the play, ‘Think of a Garden’ will be staged in Auckland, New Zealand on January 26.

The play first premiered in New Zealand in 1993.

Kneubuhl wrote for US television series such as the Fugitive, Gun Smoke, Wild Wild West, Star Trek and Hawaii Five 0.

Auckland-based Samoan thespian Anapela Polata’ivao was an usher during “Think of a Garden’s first performance in Auckland, but this time she is directing the play which is based on the colonial era in Samoa.

And playing the role of one of the main characters in the play, Lu’isa, is Stacey Leilua who saw the play for the first time when she was just 11 years old.

Polata’ivao told the Manukau Courier that she’s glad to be bringing theater to South Auckland.

“I want to shift people’s minds and get some quality theatre at a reasonable, affordable price,” she said.

The story is something that has stuck with Leilua, even from her time living in Samoa.

“It’s such a special play for south Auckland, this is stuff we all should know,” she said.

The outdoor production of “Think of a Garden,”  at the Nathan Homestead in Manukau will run for three nights.