Palikū Theatre double feature spans meaning of hula, challenge of mental illness

(front row) Kaleialoha Froning and Alysia-Leila Kepaa (back row) Marilynn Bellinger and Thomalin Sir

Kamehana Kamakawiwoole as Kumu ʻIwalani in “iHula”

Kevin J. Molina and Thomalin Sirivattha in “iHula”

Kevin J. Molina, Shayla Santos, Dylan Leming, Howie Norris, Phillip Ikaika Foster in “Walter”

Kevin J. Kevin J. Molina and Dylan Leming in “Walter”

Dylan Leming and Kaleialoha Froning in “Walter”

Windward Community College and Palikū Theatre present iHula, written by Ryan “Oki” Okinaka, and Walter, adapted by Taurie Kinoshita, in a filmed theatrical double feature available online December 10–19, 2021. Both plays are directed by Kinoshita.

iHula is about cultural perpetuation and legacy. Hula, mele and aloha are interwoven into this story about four very different women trying to overcome their fears, pride and insecurities in order to discover the true meaning of the hula. Okinaka is the recipient of Windward CC’s inaugural Emerging Island Artist program, and is mentoring Windward CC theatre students in a series of workshops throughout the 2021–22 academic year. (Suitable for all ages; running time approximately 90 minutes.)

Walter was adapted from Woyzeck by Georg Büchner—considered the first truly modern play and based on actual events leading to the first attempt at an insanity plea in 1824. Walter is set in a contemporary world. This production uses non-realistic drama and expressionistic techniques to demonstrate struggles with mental illness. (Suitable for ages 13+ due to depictions of violence; running time approximately 60 minutes.)

“Mental illness is something I’ve addressed repeatedly as a director. Theatre can visually demonstrate the real challenges people face,” said Kinoshita.

The productions will be online on-demand and can be viewed over two weekends (December 10–12 and December 17–19) from Friday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for on-demand access per weekend. Show link will be emailed.

For tickets and more information, https://windward.hawaii.edu/paliku-theatre or call (808) 235-7315.

To learn more about Theatre 260 and other theatre classes offered at Windward CC, visit windward.hawaii.edu/theatre or contact Associate Professor Nicolas Logue at (808) 236-9138 or logue@hawaii.edu.

For more information about Palikū Theatre, visit palikutheatre.com.

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Photos by Micah Souza

iHula 1 – (front row) Kaleialoha Froning and Alysia-Leila Kepaa (back row) Marilynn Bellinger and Thomalin Sirivattha in “iHula”

iHula 2 – Kamehana Kamakawiwoole as Kumu ʻIwalani in “iHula”

iHula 3 – Kevin J. Molina and Thomalin Sirivattha in “iHula”

Walter 1 – Kevin J. Molina, Shayla Santos, Dylan Leming, Howie Norris, Phillip Ikaika Foster in “Walter”

Walter 2 – Kevin J. Molina and Dylan Leming in “Walter”

Walter 3 – Dylan Leming and Kaleialoha Froning in “Walter”

For more information, visit: https://windward.hawaii.edu/paliku-theatre/