Life lessons, Southside

Sharu Delilkan | 8th March 2010

Lauie Sila is having a good time playing party-hearty bad boy Siua, in The Black Friars' next production, USO.

The 22-year-old from Mangere says part of his enjoyment arises from the character being opposite to himself.

"It's great to be able to play someone with the 'typical' South Auckland attitude," he says.

The show's writer and director, Michelle Johansson, who taught Sila drama at Wesley College says: "He's always been stage magic and mature beyond his years. Now, as drama teacher aide in Wesley College, Lauie really relates well with the kids because he's coming from the same place  they are."

USO is a story about growing up in South Auckland and the pressures, internal and external, upon Pasifikan youth. The plot, unfolding over  three days, mostly follows the main character, Lincoln, but also deals with issues common to us all: friendship, brotherhood, betrayal and loyalty.

Sila says he hopes teenagers will come along to the show. "It's about issues that teenagers have to deal with on a daily basis in South Auckland and the choices they have to make are really important. That's why I hope it appeals to the younger audience who are going through the same situations."

After knowing each other for most of a decade, Johansson and Sila say working together comes naturally. "We're all best friends and all grew up in the same neighbourhood," says Sila. "Not only can we relax, but we can be ourselves. Our rehearsal process is quite weird. We laugh a lot and it's great fun."

USO, Musgrove Studio, Maidment Theatre, Auckland, Mar 10-13, 8pm. Tickets: ph 308 2383 or see www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz