As part of its Dark Night Series, Kumu Kahua Theatre will present Susan Soon He Stanton's "The Art of Preservation," for two consecutive weekends July 26 through Aug. 3.

The show, produced by Two Chicks, One Pake and One Popolo, revolves around two outsiders, Dado and Desiree, who live in a small town on Kaua'i, who have not spoken in years. Desiree is a librarian, involved in a secret project that may unlock an old mystery, and Dado breaks into the library basement looking to reignite a romance with his ex-girlfriend, who is not there. Instead, Desiree is on the premises and a storm traps the pair in the basement.

Kumu veterans Ginger Gohier and Tyler Tanabe are the actors; Troy Apostol is director.

Playwright Stanton was born and raised in Hawai'i and now is working on an MFA degree in playwrighting at the Yale School of Drama. Her "Whatever Happened to John Boy Kihano," which earlier won a Kumu Kahua playwriting contest, will be produced by the theater in March 2009.

"Preservation" will be staged at 8 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2 and at 2 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 3.

Tickets: $5; reservations, 534-4441. The box office, at 46 Merchant St., is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.