Kumu Kahua Theatre Announces Its 48th Season
By: A.A. Cristi May. 22, 2018
"Seeing recognizable characters onstage-characters drawn from our own lives here in Hawai'i-is profoundly important for the health of our community" says Kumu Kahua Artistic Director, Harry Wong III. "In our upcoming 48th season, we will continue to present plays for our community, by local artists, and give voice to the too often voiceless." He continues: "Our poignant upcoming season loosely deals with marginalization-of native cultural practices, the environment, the mentally handicapped, and queer love."
The 48th season at Kumu Kahua Theatre:
Pakalolo Sweet
A World Premiere by Hannah Ii-Epstein
August 23-September 23, 2018
Drama
Junior Boy is a young Hawaiian man who comes from a lineage of marijuana growers and is now proudly expecting a baby with his girlfriend, Nani. During a night of karaoke, beer, and weed, the medical uses, benefits, and cultural aspects of marijuana in pre-contact Hawai'i are explored. This sequel to Not One Batu follow's Papa's family-and the inevitable hardships arising when indigenous values are systematically marginalized.
June is The First Fall
A World Premiere by Yilong Liu
November 8- December 9, 2018
Drama
Don, a Chinese American, is only out to his sister, Jane-the rest of his family does not know he is gay. When Don returns home to Hawai'i from NYC, he finds his sister engaged to his first love. June is The First Fall is a queer and moving slice of life with interweaving scenes spanning Hawai'i and NYC, the 1840s and the present.
Shipwreck'd on the Body Beautiful
A World Premiere by Daniel Kelin
January 17-February 17, 2019
Drama
James F. O'Connell, America's first Tattooed Man, headlined P. T. Barnum's freak show, proudly displaying his head-to-foot tattoos. Shipwrecked on the Caroline Islands in the first half of the 19th century, O'Connell saved himself from death by performing Irish jigs-and so began the slow process of his assimilation into Ponapean culture. Based on a true story, this poetic one-man show recounts a compelling narrative of physical appropriation.
Watcher of Waipuna
A Fan Favorite by Gary Pak
March 21- April 14, 2019
Comedy
Gilbert Sanchez is the Watcher of Waipuna, defending his tiny corner of paradise against evil commercial expansion and greedy family members. Based on Gary Pak's short story, this local fairy tale-like parable includes a chorus of housewives, supernatural elements, and examines the powerful connection between humans and the environment-loyalty to our land, connections to place, corporate development, and local displacement.
Beer Can Hat
A World Premiere by Darrell Lum
May 23-June 23, 2019
Drama
Bobo is a little slow. His abusive father wants to send him away. Selling newspapers on the street, Bobo scrounges for a little money. Despite injuries, harassment, and discrimination, Bobo never complains-after all, he may not have much-but Bobo does have one thing: a true friend. Da Beer Can Hat is based on Darrell Lum's original short story of a mentally handicapped individual and his one, best friend.
Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased with a credit card by calling 536-4441, or by visiting the box office at 46 Merchant Street (corner of Bethel and Merchant Streets, downtown) between 11am and 3pm Monday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at KumuKahua.org. Individual ticket prices are $5-$25.
Subscription prices are $80 for new subscribers, $70 for returning subscribers, $25 for students. Viewers' Choice passes for $150 include ten tickets to be used flexibly throughout the season (patrons can use all ten tickets for one or two shows or spread them out through the season). Scholarship subscriptions are also available for $80. Those subscriptions are charitable donations to Kumu Kahua Theatre and will be given to individuals who are not able to purchase tickets or a subscription on their own.
Individuals wishing to receive a scholarship subscription should contact the Kumu Kahua box office at 536-4222 or kumukahuaom@gmail.com to be added to the list of potential scholarship recipients. Those on the list will be granted scholarships on a first-come-first-served basis.
Kumu Kahua productions are supported in part by The Hawai'i State Foundation on Culture and Arts through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawai'i and by the National Endowment for the Arts. Also paid for in part The Hawai'i Tourism Authority, The Hawai'i Community Foundation, McInerny Foundation (Bank of Hawai'i , Trustee); Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) Charitable Foundation, The Atherton Foundation and Hawaiian Electric Company; The Star-Advertiser and other foundations, businesses and patrons.
Our productions are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Some of our shows may not be suitable for all viewers. Please call the box office if you have any questions about content of specific productions.
We sincerely apologize for our lack of Hawaiian diacritical use. Our email client server does not support it.
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