Leading the way | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

Returning to a stage piece for another run should be straightforward, reports Sharu Delilkan. Unless the show has been completely reworked.

Aleni Tufuga is playing the male lead, Pelenato, for the second time in My Penina. He also played the character in the dance-drama's first showing in 2003 at the Fringe New Zealand Awards.

Playwright and actress Fiona Collins, who plays Pelenato's wife Aniva, is the first to admit her play has been completely reworked since then.

"It's become more of a collaboration so it's great to be working with Aleni again, especially since he knows the character and the world of My Penina so well," she says.

The story unfolds through Pelenato and Aniva who are celebrating 50 years of marriage. Drama, music and dance intermingle in the first major production by Pacific Dance New Zealand.

Tufuga says working on the dance moves has  put his fitness to the test. "When we did Zumba during the first two days of rehearsal it introduced me to muscles I haven't used for ages. It's been great to be working on a show where dance and acting just flow into one another."

Playing opposite Collins has been a treat, says Tufuga. "It's not often that you get the chance to talk to the writer. The most amazing thing about Fiona is that she's handed her play over to the director, Anapela Polataivao, and has put her acting hat on."

Collins is impressed with Tufuga's development as an actor. "Looking back, I suppose we were quite green then," she says of their first show.

"It's great to see he's confident to offer ideas and how much he has matured as a performer."

My Penina, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, Aug 2-7. Times vary. Tickets: ph 357 3355 or see www.the-edge.co.nz