Kumu Kahua Fundraiser To Send Show To American Samoa!

HONOLULU, HI:  Kumu Kahua Theatre’s production of Alani Apio’s K?mau has been invited to take part in the prestigious Festival of Pacific Arts, in American Samoa, from July 20th to August 2nd, 2008. 

Although the festival itself will supply housing, food, and ground transportation for the participants, in order to attend this celebrated arts festival Kumu Kahua must raise approximately $15,000 to cover travel to and from American Samoa.  To that end, Kumu Kahua will be holding a special one-time benefit performance of K?mau, on Saturday, February 23rd, at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu HI 96813.  There will be a silent auction with complimentary pupus and drinks at 6:00 pm and the benefit performance will start at 8:00pm.

Held only once every four years - and in a different Pacific Island country each time, the Festival of Pacific Arts will bring together an expected 2000 participants from more than 25 countries, to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands.  The festival will feature magnificent visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and even culinary and traditional healing arts.  It is the largest, most anticipated, diverse and amazing showcase of Pacific Island culture in the world.

            K?mau was described by Honolulu Advertiser Drama Critic Joseph Rozmiarek as "a moving and powerful piece on the nature of personal and cultural compromise."  The story centers around Alika, a Hawaiian man who works as a guide for a local tour company to support his adopted family.  His employer offers Alika a promotion, at the same time informing him that the company has purchased and plans to build a hotel on the oceanfront land where Alika's family has lived and fished for generations.  Weighed down with responsibilities, and confused by alcohol, Alika struggles with his conscience as he considers his alternatives.

  Kumu Kahua Artistic Director, Harry Wong and Kumu Kahua actor and Board member Wil Kahele, will co-direct the production.  The cast features Kumu veterans Chloe Amos,   Dusty Behner, James K. Bright, Hoku Gilbert, Dawn Gohara, Neal Milner, Aitofele C. Simpson-Steele, Laurie Tanoura, and Kumu newcomer Derek Kekaulike.

  Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling 536-4441, or by visiting our Box Office between 11am and 3pm Monday through Friday.  Ticket prices for the benefit performance are $100 each, which include a reception with complimentary drinks and pupus and a silent auction. Tickets are on sale now.  For more information about this and other productions, visit www.KumuKahua.org.