#Hana keaka

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will debut Lele Wale, a new hana keaka (Hawaiian theatre work) that takes audiences on a journey of community rebuilding in the wake of the Lahaina wildfires. The production honors those who were lost, those who survived, and those who still carry the weight of rebuilding on Maui. Performances run March 4–8 in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre at Kennedy Theatre.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of Theatre and Dance and Kennedy Theatre will premiere “Puana” this fall, a hana keaka (Hawaiian Theatre) production that delves into the spiritual connections between Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and their kūpuna (ancestors) through the power of song. Performed primarily in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), the play also commemorates the 10th anniversary of UH Mānoa’s Hawaiian Theatre program.

“Mahalo nui to the entire creative team, particularly Kumu Keawe and Ka Waihona a ke Aloha as well as Kumu Hailiʻōpua for their mentorship.These awards are truly a testament to the beauty of our mele and moʻolelo and the amazing kānaka who continue to serve as their vessels today,” said Kaipulaumakaniolono Baker, a MFA candidate in Hawaiian Theatre who penned the play.