Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 7, 1 July 1985 — Volunteer Effort Marks "O Kaʻahumanu" Success [ARTICLE]

Volunteer Effort Marks "O Kaʻahumanu" Success

By Pamela Brown Planning and Development Division Heralded as a "tableau-pageant," the only scheduled performance of "O Ka'ahumanu — The Missionary Queen" unfolded before an overflow audience of 400 at the Ala Moana Americana Hotel June 15 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Society. Utilizing mostly amateur actors and actresses recruited from the Hawaiian community, the tableau-pageant was the inspiration of writer-director Peter Charlot and was sponsored by the Kalihi-Palama Culture and Arts Society. The presentation was adapted from Charlot's full length play on Queen Ka'ahumanu. Two years of research on the Queen's life and times were spent by Charlot in preparation for his project. Narrator James Grant Benton, a professional entertainer, guided the audience through living pictures of the times of Queen Ka'ahumanu, favored wife of Kamehameha I, who was later kuhina nui (executive officer) and who died a Christian in 1832. Ho'oipo deCambra, a resident of Nanakuli who had never before acted, gave an inspiring performance as the power Queen who dared to challenge the traditions of the past. "This play was our gift to the Ka'ahumanu Society," said

Wendell Silva, executive director of the Kalihi-Palama Culture and Arts Society. "It was an intense and dedicated effort on the part of members of the entire cast who volunteered their time for months. The story is one that needs to be told. The play shows us why certain decisions made then, affect Hawaii today." Great efforts were made to capture the spirit of the times and present the play in an authentic manner. Costumes were designed and hand made by Allen Kanoa following his extensive research. Tapa stamping was used in the traditional fashion, and fabrics were dyed in sea water. Kanoa personally dressed and wrapped all performers in malo and kikepa for the play. Set design was by Imae Kalahele, who also designed the logo for the program and portrayed a warrior in the play. Authentic calabashes and war clubs were used. Feathered apparel were loaned by Aloha Week Festival, Ine., when attempts to borrow authentic caps and helmets were unsuccessful. Other props and some costumes were borrowed from the Honolulu Theater for Youth, Mission House Museum and the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Daughters of Hawaii, the Bishop Museum and others loaned lauhala mats for audience seating. Singing in the chorus were the Honolulu branch of 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, a benevolent society of women organized in 1905 to assist with the care of the sick. During the play's

performance, the audience spontaneously joined the chorus in a Hawaiian song, stirring the emotions of all. The music of a nose flute and a pahu, traditional Hawaiian instruments, created a serene, ceremonial atmosphere, thus carrying the audience back in time. An exhaustive search for a talented nose flutist led to Calvin Hoe whose performance on both instruments, hand made by him, displayed a great sensitivity to the production. "The play touched a lot of people's hearts," said Silva. "I've received many phone calls from people on Oahu and other islands saying that their friends saw the play and told them they must see it too," said Silva. "Currently, there is no plan to perform again. I want to do the play again, especially in a Hawaiian homestead area, but we must decide whether the cast ean commit itself to another performance." Other performers were John Lake, Liholiho; Grant Glen, Reverend Hiram Bingham; Austin Makaio, Boy; Merlin Ching, Kekuaokalani; August Kruse, Kalanimoku; Emily White, Namahana; Kimo Laau, Ji; Sisi Alailima, Manono; Molly Mannix, Sybil Bingham; Jean Barker, Tourist; Barbara Lake, Irma; Maila Murray, Grace; and Phillip Murray, warrior. Assisting in the production were Elaine Mullaney, production consultant; Lillian Kruse, consultant; Kilali Alailima, production manager; Joe Martin, assistant to the director; Kimberly Hil, publicity; Jan Itagaki, secretary; Egg Shell Lighting, lighting; and Audio Hawaii, sound.