Modelled on Amateur Night at the Apollo in 1930s Harlem, presented by the Auckland Theatre Company, and featuring some of the country’s finest comedians, Kila Kokonut Krew’s Strictly Brown was a highlight of this year’s Manukau Arts Festival. The comedy variety show featured Robbie Magasiva, Vela Manusaute, Anapela Polataivao, Goretti Chadwick, Aleni Tufuga, Stacey Leilua, Glen Jackson and the Kila Kokonut Krew Band. The Kila Kokonut Krew was formed in 2005 by Vela Manusaute and Anapela Polataivao to create work for emerging Pacific actors. Their previous shows include Once were Samoans and the Taro King. Proceeds from the event went to the Red Cross’s funds for tsunami relief.
