About Keakalehua
In March, 2020 the world shut down due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. People found themselves isolated at home, craving a way to maintain a sense of community. Although temporarily sequestered at home, we were able to make use of technology to stay connected. A small group of theatre artists from the island of Hawaiʻi decided to gather online to read plays aloud together. This was originally intended as a way for actors to stay "in-tune" with their art form. But with their very first meeting on April 8, 2020, the group immediately transformed into a playwrightsʻ hui, where writers of all skill levels could share new works in a safe space, nurtured by a generous group of established playwrights, directors, producers, actors, and interested community members. Because they met online, the group was unfettered by physical geography. This meant that people from other islands, other states, and other countries were also able to participate. Week by week, membership steadily grew by word-of-mouth.
There was no restriction in terms of length or subject matter for the plays that were read; but since the core group had a strong interest in works related specifically to Hawaiʻi, historically significant Hawaiʻi-based plays were sometimes read if there wasn't a new play in development. This continues to be our practice.
HOW WE GOT OUR NAME:
After nearly two years of existence, it became apparent that the hui had taken on a life of its own; and there seemed to be momentum toward expanding our efforts beyond our weekly online readings. We realized that we needed a name and a more formalized existence. Core members Justina ʻŌlalimākiaikalauaki Mattos, Jacquelyn Pualani Johnson, and Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl conferred with Makiʻilei Ishihara, Nathan Nāpokā, and Hina Kneubuhl. Victoria described a dream she had about a grove of Lehua trees. After much discussion, the image brought to mind by the phrase "Ke Aka Lehua" (The essence of the Lehua) arose as one that most fittingly captured the spirit of this group that nurtures new growth, even in desolate circumstances...as the ʻōhiʻa lehua is the first tree that grows on a new lava field. "Lehua" has layers of meaning that connect the group to its home on Hawai'i Island; and "Ke Aka" (the essence, shadow, or reflection) can also refer to "theatre." Keakalehua became the formal name of our zoom playreading hui.
OUR MISSION:
Keakalehua is dedicated to activities that promote the development of scripts for the theatre and other forms of live performance. A special focus is given to scripts that explore the issues, histories and cultures of the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.