Kumu Kahua Theatre Opens Their Doors after Nearly Two Years to Present The Conversion of Kaʻahumanu by Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl In-Person
WHAT: The Conversion of Kaʻahumanu by Victoria Nālani Kneubuhl
WHERE: Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street
WHEN: January 20 – February 20, 2022. See showtimes below
COST: $5-$25; Ticket information below. Ticket information below
INFO: 536-4441, kumukahua.org
EVENT: Free talk-story with the playwright, directors and cast following the production on Friday, January 28.
HONOLULU, HI—Kumu Kahua Theatre proudly presents the show that was scheduled to open in March of 2020, the story of Queen Kaʻahumanu.
When Lucy Thurston and Sybil Bingham arrive on the shores of Oʻahu in 1820, a year after Queen Kaʻahumanu overthrew the traditional kapu system in ancient Hawaiʻi, they immediately attempt their missionary task. Queen Kaʻahumanu, however, is more interested in their dresses than any new god and has no desire for any new religion. Sybil and Lucy persevere, and so begins the slow, gradual process of Kaʻahumanu’s conversion. This complex historical drama explores the official adoption of Christianity in Hawaiʻi.
The director of the 2020 production, Harry Wong III, the designers and most of the cast have returned to bring this script to in-person audiences. The staging of the production has been changed to allow greater distance between the actors and audience.
Everyone entering the theatre must present proof of vaccination or negative test results from a medical professional or clinic with your name printed on test results (at-home tests will not be accepted), go through a temperature check, and answer questions about their recent history of possible exposure to COVID-19. Masks must be worn by all individuals at all times while in the building (actors are exempt from wearing masks while on stage).
In addition to government mandated protocols, Kumu Kahua Theatre is selling a limited number of seats for each performance to allow audience members to physically distance themselves from other parties.
This play runs: January 20 – February 20, 2022.
SHOW DATES:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: January 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 & February 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2022
Sunday 2pm: January 23, 30 & February 6,* 20, 2022
*No performance on Sunday February 13 (Super Bowl Sunday)
Following the performance on Friday, January 28th there will be a free talk story with the director and cast following the performance. These talk stories are offered on the 2nd Friday of each production run and include an opportunity to gain behind the scenes insight from the director, cast and playwright (when available).
Hometowns of the cast of The Conversion of Kaʻahumanu:
Anette Arinix- Kaimuki, Annie Lipscomb- Hilo, Kahana Ho- Honolulu, Alaura Ward- Kaimuki, Leleaʻe “Buffy” Kahalepuna-Wong- Kaimuki
Tickets for performances 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.
Ticket prices are $5-$25.
Kumu Kahua productions are supported in part by the NME Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the Island Insurance Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 and the American Rescue Plan of 2021, McInerny Foundation (Bank of Hawaii, Trustee); The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, through appropriations from the Legislature of the State of Hawaiʻi, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaiian Electric Company, Alexander & Baldwin, The John R Halligan Charitable Fund, Spectrum/Charter Communications, ABC Stores, the Gloria Kosasa Gainsley Fund, Hawaiʻi Public Radio, The Kim Coco Fund for Justice of the Iwamoto Family Foundation, Edric Sakamoto, John Mazur and other foundations, businesses, and loyal patrons.
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