Hapai: Talkin’ Story About Pregnancy, Motherhood and More
By Kristin Hashimoto
Everyone knows of, is related to, is going through, or has experience with, a hapai (Hawaiian for pregnant) woman. On May 7 and May 8, at Maui Theatre in Lahaina, Talking Stories and The Neighborhood Place of Wailuku will present Hapai, a play about, and for, mothers.
Maui Theatre in Lahaina, photo by Kristin Hashimoto
The local cast dishes on everything from water weight, old wives tales, the do’s and dont’s of pregnancy and the insecurities mothers face. The dialogue is in Hawaiian Creole English, otherwise known as ‘pidgin.’
If the story and the words seem like something an auntie, sistah, unco, braddah, and maddah might say, well then, the authors are fulfilling the mission of the founders of Talking Stories Inc., Kea Hokoana-Gormley and Kim Compoc. They envisioned plays to include, and be representative of, the local people of Hawai’i.
The actors are everyday Hawai’i folks. Experienced and seasoned theatrical actors aren’t required, or really even wanted. The vision of Hokoana-Gormley and Compoc was to produce stories for local people, who would watch, write, and star in the play. They wanted to include the local community in all aspects of theatre, from creation to production.
On May 7th, the play will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Maui Theatre in Lahaina, located at 878 Front Street. On Mother’s Day, May 8, the Maui Theatre will have an afternoon show of Hapai, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Dessert and coffee will be included. The audience can also participate in a silent auction. Call 760-8220 for more information.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 from Native Intelligence in Wailuku, Collections in Makawao, Lulu’s In Lahaina, Neighborhood Place of Wailuku, Blackie’s Pit Stop, and/or the Dairy Road Shell Station.
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