 "Photo: Courtesy of Haili‘ōpua Baker")
It is rare to see the exhibition of Hawaiian art, especially in the venue of theater. But Haili‘ōpua Baker, a professor in the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, is breaking boundaries and bringing the beauty of Hawaiian mythology to the stage with her play "Kamapua‘a" this Saturday at the Hawai‘i Theatre.
The play, as its name implies, follows "the life of Kamapua‘a (a Hawaiian demigod) and his journey as a kanaka," said Baker, whose play is performed entirely in Hawaiian.
However, non-Hawaiian play enthusiasts shouldn't feel intimidated by the language barrier.
"Everyone who is interested in Hawaiian knowledge should experience 'Kamapua‘a'; we have taken a traditional story and brought it into a contemporary medium to reach this generation," Baker said.
Alluding to the Hawaiian tradition of name chants, the play begins with the birth of Kamapua‘a. The story tells of the progression of Kamapua‘a's life: from his antics as a child stealing pigs to his mischievous, bold acts as a man.
The play is filled with Kamapua‘a's exploits not only as a warrior but as a lover to Pele, the fire goddess, his wife and his many other mistresses. The play comes full circle with Kamapua‘a confronting his tumultuous past with his father and reuniting with his wife.
Baker compares the experience to going to an opera: "You may not understand every single word, but you can still follow the story." But just in case, Baker said that the play also offers an English breakdown scene by scene.
Although the themes of the play are distinctly Hawaiian, an element of universality is present in the story. "There is much to learn about life and relationships through this story," Baker said. "Learning about where we come from and the practices of our kūpuna gives us insight and guidance into where we need to go in the future."
Baker is a quadruple threat, bearing the titles of playwright, designer, director and co-producer. The play is put on with her theater company, Ka Hālau Hanakeaka, which is made up of students from the Hawaiian language and Hawaiian studies department, Kamakakūokalani. Baker also collaborated with her husband, Kaliko Baker, a professor in Hawaiian language as well.
"Kamapua‘a" also holds a deeper meaning, Baker said. "This story is a means to reconnect to our roots and to empower our identity as a native people."
When: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Where: Hawai‘i Theatre, located at 1130 Bethel St. Price: $16 to $35 Buy tickets from the Hawai‘i Theatre box office, 528-0506
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