WHAT: Wild Birds by Eric Anderson
WHERE: Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street
WHEN: November 2 – December 3, 2017
COST: $5-$25; Ticket information below
INFO: 536-4441, kumukahua.org
EVENT: Free talk-story following the production on Friday Nov 10.
James Keawe Bright, Leleaa Buffy Kahalepuna-Wong…Anette Arinix. Photo by Denise De Guzman
HONOLULU, HI—Kumu Kahua Theatre proudly presents the world premier of Eric Anderson’s historical drama Wild Birds. Inspired by historical events, Wild Birds tells the story of intense cultural clashes and the effects of western education on the indigenous monarchy.
Having last produced the historical drama Another Heavan in 2008 at KKT, Kumu Kahua Theatre welcomes back Big Island playwright Eric Anderson to their stage. “History is history, drama is drama—and sometimes the twain shall meet. But it is always an uneasy alliance.” says Mr. Anderson. “Wild Birds is not history. It is solidly based on fact, but the end result–the play you are going to see– belongs squarely and finally in the realm of theatre. Among other things, the play raises troubling issues still relevant to the today of Hawaii.”
Set in Honolulu, Hawai‘i 1839, Amos and Juliette Cooke had the best intentions. 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 alii child? When is education a form of imperialism?
The play runs: 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
Ryan Oki Okinaka, Dylan Chace Lee, Kirk A Lapilio J…Anette Arinix Photo by Denise De Guzman
*American Sign Language Interpretation upon request
Following the performance on Friday, November 10th there will be a free talk story. 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 Wild Birds:
Anette Arinix, Honolulu, HI; James Keawe Bright, Honolulu, HI; Joanna Mills, Honolulu, HI; Max Holtz, Honolulu, HI; Kirk A. Lapilio Jr., Kapolei, HI; Dylan Chace Lee, Kailua, HI; Leleaʻa “Buffy” Kahalepuna-Wong, Honolulu, HI; Ryan Okinaka, Kaneohe, HI.
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii Tourism Authority, The Hawaii Community Foundation, McInerny Foundation (Bank of Hawaii, 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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