Described as a tribute to his mother, Jason Greenwood's new play Lena draws on the actor and playwright's experiences of growing up in Samoa. Greenwood moved to NZ when he was eight, but says the culture of his birthplace has always had a strong influence on his work. Of writing the play, which follows a mixed race family as it's torn apart by bitter sibling rivalry, he says "It was both a satisfying and painful journey. Now, five years since I started to work on it, it's going into production. It's a wonderful feeling."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
The early hours of the morning before daylight when I feel the whole world belongs to me. Those precious few hours before the chaos of life surrounds me, at times, holds me as if in a spell to meditate or ponder.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Intense. I'm economic in my choice of words.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Seeing my work come alive with good actors on the stage.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
I have moments of solitude which I spend at the gym or going for long walks where ideas are confronted.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I like to look at the big picture then focus on the details.

You were born in Apia and moved to NZ when you were eight. In what ways has Samoan culture influenced your work?
I am bicultural. I can see things from different windows.

What was the inspiration for your play Lena?
My mother's stories. I was her carer for the final years of her life. She would look back in time and talk about her family, friends and people she knew back in Samoa. These stories are rich and colourful, full of drama, laughter and tragedy.

What is it about writing plays that most appeals to you over other forms of writing?
I love the challenge of writing for the moment. Everything is always at the present tense. It's alive.

You're also an actor - how do you think this influences your writing?
It has a strong influence. Having worked on different characters as an actor it's great to create your own characters based on your experiences.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Having a strong belief in yourself that what you are doing is honest and sincere. Be passionate about your work.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
My current play Lena. I was at a difficult time putting it together. It was both a satisfying and painful journey. Now, five years since I started to work on it, it's going into production. It's a wonderful feeling.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
The actors working on my play - I'm just amazed at the talent.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Journalism.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Samoa

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
At the gym. It helps to motivate you in your workout.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A kite.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
I haven't received any.

What's great about today?
Another day older - and hopefully wiser.

30/10/07

Lena is on until 10 November 2007 at The Herald Theatre in Auckland.