It brings together young theatre-makers (aged 16 to 25) from across Scotland and the world, to create and perform new pieces of theatre with help and support from a professional creative team. Each group - there are eight from Scotland, one from Harlem in New York and MNE - performs its own show while taking part in a week-long programme of masterclasses and workshops.
MNE has devised The Island, a physical theatre piece about what it means to grow up, here and now, in New Zealand and the impact of living in a supposedly isolated corner of the world.
The project, which was first decided on last year, saw the young performers told to go away and find out about their family history.
"I had no idea that my great-great-grandfather was Chinese and he travelled from China to Samoa to sell eggs and needles," says Leo'o Olo, who's also a budding stand-up comedian. "The story goes that he used to walk around the streets and blow a whistle to let people know he was selling eggs and needles, which strikes me as a strange combination."
MNE performs the show next week (Tuesday - Friday) before flying out early Saturday morning for Scotland.
Leo'o Olo says she's simply looking forward to everything. "It's the furthest I've ever travelled; I've been to Alaska because my uncle lives there," she muses. "There's actually a big Samoan population in Alaska and you quite often come across Pacific churches there ... "
Massive stalwart Miriama McDowell co-directs The Island with company founder Sam Scott. McDowell, well known from roles in films like The Dark Horse and Mahana, says she's impressed that Scotland has so many youth theatre companies.
"It wasn't like they selected eight because that's the total number; they went through a selection process and, from there, picked eight! It shows what a commitment they have to youth theatre."
Performance
What: The Island
Where & when: Mangere Arts Centre, Tuesday-Friday.
