Kumu Kahua Announces 47th Season

HONOLULU, HI— Kumu Kahua Theatre is proud to announce their 47th season, which will run from August 2017 through June 2018.

Chosen by Artistic Director Harry Wong III in collaboration with the Play Development Committee of Kumu Kahua Theatre, this season includes farce, drama, comedy, absurdism and three world premieres.

  • Who Killed Gilbert Botello?
    by Garrick Paikai
    Rollicking Farce
    Gilbert Botello is dead. But who killed him? Was it the butler or the maid? Was it the eccentric tycoon or his son? Detective Roy Rodger Kalauakekahuna III and his sidekick Officer Billy Souza investigate the murder and astonishing events surrounding the untimely demise of Gilbert Botello in this comedic murder mystery. Peopled with recognizable characters, Who Killed Gilbert Botello reshapes the typical British whodunnit into a refreshing representation of Hawai‘i.
    Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: August 24, 25, 26, 31; September 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 2017
    Sundays 2pm: August 27; September 3, 10, 17, *24, 2017
    *American Sign Language Interpretation upon request
  • The Wild Birds
    A World Premiere by Eric Anderson
    Historical Drama
    Amos and Juliette Cooke had the best intentions. In 1839 Honolulu, the couple was deeply honored to be chosen to personally oversee the education of the children of the kings and queens of Hawai‘i. But how does one enforce rigorous discipline on a sacred ali‘i child? When is education a form of imperialism? Inspired by historical events, Wild Birds tells the story of intense cultural clashes, the effects of western education on the indigenous monarchy, and the ultimate disillusionment of a teacher.
    Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30; December 1, 2, 2017
    Sundays 2pm: November 5, 12, 19, 26; December *3, 2017
    *American Sign Language Interpretation upon request
    (No show Thursday, November 23 -Thanksgiving)
  • Living Room
    A World Premiere by William Kahele
    Moving Comedy
    Eli’s family and friends are well-meaning, but they won’t leave him alone as he wrestles with his troubled past and uncertain future. Millie, Rose, Fannie and Junior haunt Eli with their concerns until they nearly drive him crazy. Eli’s indomitable sense of humor and a handsome stranger may be his saving grace in this comedy about the drama one local man faces alone in a crowded room.
    Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: January 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27; February 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 2018
    Sundays 2pm: January 21, 28; February 11, *18, 2018
    *American Sign Language Interpretation upon request
    (No show Super Bowl Sunday, February 4)
  • Demigods Annonymous
    A World Premiere by Noa Helela
    Absurd Comedy
    Power is both a curse and a gift. As a modern demi-god, Noe takes college courses, parties with her friends, and tries to stop herself from turning into a giant lizard. Her friend, Marcella, is dealing with her unwanted tendency to become a mountain lion; Blaine transforms into a shark when aggravated. These contemporary Kupua are like most people in their 20s… except for their ability to manifest ancient demigod powers and transform into animals….
    Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: March 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31; April 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 2018
    Sundays 2pm: March 25; April 8, 15, *22, 2018
    *American Sign Language Interpretation upon request
    (No show Easter Sunday, April 1)
  • Dead Of Night
    by Edward Sakamoto
    Local Drama
    Pre-statehood Honolulu, 1956: despite recently unionizing, Alex and his three best friends desperately struggle to provide for their families. Joined by a mainlander, the four local men decide to violently pressure their company’s boss to meet the union’s demands. When money is always the bottom- line, can idealism and friendship ever win? Celebrated and ground-breaking, Edward Sakamoto’s Dead of Night is a suspenseful thriller about economic reality and the death of idealism.
    Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: May 24, 25, 26, 31; June 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 2018
    Sundays 2pm: May 27; June 3, 10, 17, *24, 2018
    *American Sign Language Interpretation upon request

Our productions are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Some of our shows may not be suitable for more sensitive viewers. Please call the box office if you have any questions about content of specific productions.

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.

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