The Story
Written by acclaimed Native Hawaiian playwright and actor Moses Goods, Kaula follows Mahina, a young Native Hawaiian woman seeking to understand herself through the stories shared by her kupuna, or grandmother.
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At the heart of Kaula is a story shared between a kupuna (grandmother) and her granddaughter. Together, they embark on a voyage across the Pacific, discovering their family’s genealogy through Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaiʻi.
Guided by this journey, Kaula unfolds as a seamless theatrical production that weaves Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Samoan music, dance, chant, and storytelling into one continuous narrative. From intimate moments of mele and hula to dynamic ensemble performances, breathtaking acrobatics, and thrilling fire-knife dancing, each chapter celebrates the enduring connections shared across the Pacific.
The Performances
A full cast of dancers, actors, musicians, and specialty performers brings Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Samoan traditions to the stage through live music, chant, mele, hula, dance, acrobatics, and fire-knife dancing.
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The production features original choreography by Tiana Liufau and Kayla Faʻamaligi. Their movement direction brings the different performance traditions together within the larger narrative, moving from intimate solos and traditional forms to expansive ensemble numbers, aerial sequences, and a dramatic Samoan fire-knife finale.
Guests may also be invited to participate during the evening, joining the energy and movement of the performance.