Kumu Kahua Theatre Presents An Incredibly Timely Commentary On The “Ownership” And Treatment Of Ancient Hawaiian Bones With Ola N? Iwi By Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl

Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl’s Ola N? Iwi, will play at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street in downtown Honolulu, running from November 1st through December 2nd, 2007.

First produced by Kumu Kahua during its 24th season (1994-'95), and written by a prolific playwright whose works have been regularly produced by Kumu Kahua, Ola N? Iwi ("The Bones Live") investigates the serious issues involving the treatment of indigenous human remains while simultaneously telling a story that is tender, humorous, mysterious and filled with plot twists and turns. Kneubuhl skillfully conducts an historical exploration of the pseudo-scientific and often racist motivations behind grave-robbing. But the central story is contemporary, with the plot set in motion when a Honolulu theater group returns from an international tour with a set of Hawaiian bones "illegally" reclaimed from a German museum.

Kumu Kahua board member, Sammie Choy (Another Heaven) will direct the production, with set design by Justin DeLand, light design by Abel Coelho, costume design by Nara Cardenas, sound design by Daniel Sakimura and props are by Mike Harada.  The cast features Kumu veterans Phillip Bullington, Kiana Rivera, Dave Schaeffer, Misa Topou, and Kumu newcomers Britton Adams, Tiana Alcoran, Donalyn Dela Cruz, Ariane Fuchs, Miko Franconi, Jan McGrath, & Mane

TICKETS: On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, tickets are $16 general admission, $13 for seniors and groups of ten or more buying at one time, and $10 for students. On Thursdays, general admission is $13, seniors admission $11, and students and unemployed are $5.

Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling 536-4441, or by personally visiting the Kumu Kahua Box Office. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm.

PERFORMANCES:           
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: November 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30; December 1, 2007. Sundays 2pm: November 4, 11, 18, 25; December 2, 2007