Supporting ʻŌiwi Writers
Keakalehua Playreading Hui collaborated with the playwright group of NHSP Cohort 2 (Russell Subiono, Eric Stack, and Sean-Joseph Choo) to present three free full-length playreadings on October 9th and 10th, co-sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Department and Performing Arts Center:
Friday, October 9th at 6:00pm: Aloha State (written by Sean-Joseph Choo)
Based on real stories, aloha state is an anti-imperialist, pro-Hawaiʻi play that follows two fish spirits that transform into Sean Choo’s part-Hawaiian grandparents making sense of the world as the Territory of Hawaiʻi transforms into the State of Hawaiʻi. It is both a love letter and critique of the mid-century centrist Democratic politics. The narrative explores militarism, kanaka maoli identity, and the shifting political sands of history, from the fall of the Hawaiian Kingdom to her absorption into the US of A.
Performed by:
ʻAlohi Gronquist, Jackie Pualani Johnson, Marion Mahuna,
Russell Subiono, Eric Stack, Kamakana
Stage Directions: Kanoe Polido
Saturday, October 10th at 1:00pm: Kūpeʻe (written by Eric Stack)
A Hawaiian-punk musician returns to Molokai after discovering a photo that hints that her activist mother's legacy may have been built on lies. As the myths that shaped her identity begin to unravel, Noewena must decide if the truth is worth sacrificing the myth—and whether she can finally love her mother instead of having to worship her.
Performed by:
ʻEwalea Dameg, Alya-Joy Kanehailua, Pōmai Longakit, ʻAlohi Gronquist,
Sean-Joseph Choo, Kyden Desa, Russell Subiono
Stage Directions: Kaiaulu Polite
Saturday, October 10th at 6:00pm: The Loʻi (written by Russell Subiono)
Kanani Kanahele has everything she's worked hard for: a prestigious position at one of Hawaiʻi's top law firms and a promising future ahead. But her success comes at a devastating personal cost when she learns that the luxury development she represents could divert the water that has sustained her cousin's kalo farm for generations. With a retired attorney, determined community members, and three generations of family weighing in, the conflict grows into a deeply personal examination of the enduring connection between people and the true measure of success.
Performed by:
ʻAlohi Gronquist, Pōmai Longakit, ʻEwalea Dameg, Jayden Brown,
Sean-Joseph Choo, Damien Stack, Christian Conant,
Brennen Cachola, Tyler Ogawa, Eric Stack
Stage Directions: Justina Mattos
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