“Hā`upu”: A Hawaiian Opera

Saturday, April 29:
“Hā`upu”: A Hawaiian Opera. The epic story of Hina, the Helen of Hawai`i.  Students from Kamehameha Schools–Hawai`i Campus will showcase their talents in fine art, Hawaiian language, chant, solo and choral singing, dance, instrumental performance, and drama with a presentation of the Hawaiian language opera, “Hā`upu,” in the Castle Theater. “Hā`upu” is based on the legend of Hina and her son, Kana. Hina, an ali`i from Hilo, is kidnapped by Kapepe`ekauila, a rogue ali`i from the island of Moloka`i. In retaliation for this outrageous kidnapping, Hina’s sons Kana and Nīheu mount an attack on Kapepe`ekauila’s fortress on the north shore of Moloka`i on the cliffs of Hā`upu.  While the daring rescue is being conceived and carried out, Hina unexpectedly begins to fall in love with her captor, Kapepe`ekauila. In the end, Hina is saved by her sons and Kapepe`ekauila is vanquished, although the true fate of Hina’s love for the Moloka`i ali`i is unknown.  The Opera will be presented entirely in the Hawaiian language. The event program will include a synopsis of the story, and details of each act for all attendees.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.