July 19 – 21, 2024
Hula Preservation Society (HPS) has the distinct pleasure of presenting a first-ever Hula Kiʻi Community Education Series July 19-21, 2024, on the island of Oʻahu.
Hula Kiʻi is a gem of Hawaiian culture that was almost lost to time and circumstance, and this Series is designed to provide access to learning and experiencing this rare form of storytelling.
Featured at the recent 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, Hula Kiʻi is a form of ancient hula that uses a puppet and/or your own body to create images and share stories. It lives on in just a handful of lineages, and two of those lines of tradition are featured in this Series.
PART 1 – Friday, July 19th, 12:00pm-1:00pm – Capitol Modern – FREE
Up Close & Personal with Hula Kiʻi
In this lunchtime talk-story by Kumu Hula Auliʻi Mitchell, attendees will learn of the history of carved figures in hula and hear of Kumu Auliʻi’s journey to bring this form back from the brink. He will perform several Hula Kiʻi with carved figures.
PART 2 – Saturday, July 20th, 10:30am-11:30am – Capitol Modern – FREE
Meet & Greet the Cast of Wai Ola!
Come meet the artists that bring the show to life, including Kumu Mahealani Uchiyama and Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine from Berkeley, California, Storyteller & Kumu Kiʻi Mauli Ola Cook of Kauaʻi, and HPS Executive Director & Kumu Hula, Maile Loo-Ching. Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine to perform on the lawn.
PART 3 – Saturday, July 20th, 7:00pm-8:15pm & Sunday, July 21st, 2:00pm-3:15pm
Tenney Theatre (229 Queen Emma Square) – TICKET
Wai Ola, ʻAukele and the Waters of Life, A Celebration of Hula Kiʻi
The Honolulu Premiere of this engaging hula kiʻi-based stage production built around a favorite story of kiʻi expert and HPS Founder, Kumu Nona Beamer (1923-2008). Tickets ($10-$25; Seniors & Youth, Gen Adm, Group rate)
Purchase tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wai-ola-aukele-and-the-waters-of-life-tickets-900743727737
PART 4 – June–December 2024 – Capitol Modern (Monday thru Saturday) – FREE
Hula Kiʻi Exhibit
HPS offers a new exhibit featuring 16 puppets, some of whom were crafted by 20th century kiʻi masters Nona Beamer and John Keola Lake (1937-2008). Historic photos and video also included of Hula Kiʻi being performed by a variety of masters and practitioners.
