[PA] "Kahua" premiere scheduled for San Diego

Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 05:20:09 -0000
Newsgroups: soc.culture.hawaii
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SAN DIEGO’S ASIAN STORY THEATER PRESENTS FIRST-EVER
HAWAIIAN PRODUCTION AT LYCEUM THEATER
Shows Scheduled April 4, 5, 11 and 12
A talent-packed assembly of local and regional performers has joined the
Asian Story Theater this year for its first-ever Hawaiian-themed stage
production titled “KAHUA.”
Slack key guitar master George Kahumoku Jr. is the composer for KAHUA;
nationally recognized dance-troupe director Heali`i O Nalani is the
choreographer; and Hawaiian singer and workshop leader Maelani Cazimero
Wilcox is the musical director. Metro Broadcasting radio personality
John “Keoni” Monte and Education Director Gingerlily Lowe also serve as
collaborators on the project, which incorporates an enormous amount of
oral history as well as research at the Bishop Museum in Hawai`i.
Geared for family audiences and performed in English, the fictionalized
story is set 800 years ago, and centers on a brother and sister whose
island is invaded by outside settlers. The newcomers impose repressive
laws and a new religion that conflict with the island’s long-established
culture. In defense of their heritage, the brother originates a unique
martial arts system called lua, while his sister, a gifted dancer,
begins teaching hula dance and music throughout the islands.
Both forms of art play a critical role in establishing the Hawaiian
kahua (“foundation”) that has enabled these islands to survive and
prosper through centuries of new arrivals and change.
The cast also includes local and regional actors, who will portray the
story in traditional Hawaiian costumes to an original score of ancient
and modern Hawaiian music. Martial arts and authentic dance are
incorporated into the script.
The production runs April 4, 5, 11, and 12 (at 7 p.m.); with matinees on
April 5 and 12 (at 2 p.m.).
Tickets are $15 for adults; and $10 for students and seniors.
They can be purchased by calling the Lyceum Box Office at: 619-544-1000.
For group sales call: 619-527-2816. And for the additional school
performances (April 1-4 and 8-11), call Young Audiences at:
619-282-7599.
-- auntie maria