Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 4, 1 April 1987 — "Kaʻiulani" Play in Honolulu Apr. 9-11 [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

"Kaʻiulani" Play in Honolulu Apr. 9-11

"Ka'iulani," a two-act play based on the life of Princess Ka'iulani written by Clarence Waipa of Hilo, will have its first neighbor island performances in Honolulu Apr. 9, 10 and 11 at the Waikiki Cdmmunity Center. The one and one-half hour play begins at7:30 p.m. following entertainment by guest artists at 7:30p.m. There is a general admission of $3 for adults and $1 for children 8 through 12. Those under 8 will be admitted free. Waipa, chairman of the Fine Arts Department at St. Joseph's High School in Hilo, will be bringing his entire cast of St. Joseph's students. The production p!ayed to rave reviews last year on Hawaii only. Waipa had to schedule extra performances. It features four scenes in the first act, depicting Ka'iulani's growing up years at Ainahau and four scenes in the second act centering primarily on the years she spent studying in England, the overthrow of the monarchy and her subsequent return to a lost Hawaiian kingdom. The play utilizes a cast of 21 speaking parts of whieh eight are major roles. Waipa has lost just three members from last year's cast through graduation but has more than adequately replaced these losses. "Ka'iulani" is the eulminahon of a trilogy that began in 1979 with the production of "Almost a King," followed by "Lili'u E," in 1981. All three drama productions center around the colorful Kalakaua dynasty whieh began in 1874 and ended when Hawaii was annexed to the Unitea States in 1898. "Drama, I have found, is an invaluable teaching tool encouraging student participation and academic growth. lt is my hope this production will awaken a sense of awareness on the part of Hawaiians and nonHawaiians in understanding the events that led to the tragic overthrow of the monarchy," Waipa declared. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has been given full credit by Waipa for assisting in the funding of the play in 1986. The grant was $1,500 out of a requested $4,000 but Waipa expressed so mueh aloha for OHA's kokua. Waipa, a native Hawaiian who grew up in the 'aina pulapula of Keaukaha, has been at St. Joseph's since 1967 after 17 years living and working on the mainland. Waipa is a 1952 graduate of Hilo High School and

Clarence Waipa

earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in education from CaIifornia State University at Los Angeles. While on the mainland, he was a professional musician for 12 years and worked as a pressman for the Los Angeles Times. He and his wife, Becky Jane, have two sons and four daughters. They also have two granddaughters. Waipa said that of the three plays he wrote, "this was the most heart-warming for me. I can't seem to put this one away. I feel like I know her." His stage director in Leolinda Kinard, a 1983 graduate of St. Joseph's and one of Waipa's drama students. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is currently advisor to the St. Joseph's High School Forensics Association. Waipa is bringing his play to Honolulu to do his part in celebration of Ho'olako 1987: The Year of the Hawaiian and as a benefit for the community center. Tickets are available at the door on eaeh performanee night. There is ample free parking on the center grounds or at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.