Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 6, 1 June 1988 — Kaʻiulani Play Keeps Busy June [ARTICLE]

Kaʻiulani Play Keeps Busy June

By popular demand, the Kumu Kahua play "Ka'iulani" returns to the stage this month in an intensive series of appearances on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and Hilo. Ka'iulani, an original drama writen by playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, gives a touching insight into the early life of Frincess Victoria Ka'iulani — her frustrating two-fold cultural heritage, her careful grooming for the throne of Hawai'i and her liberal education. The play suggests that near the end of her short life (she died at age 21), Ka'iulani finally realized her life's significance for her people, even through her expectations for the throne were not fulfilled. The versatile cast, directed by Dennis Carroll, plays many roles and includes four actresses in the role of Ka'iulani at four stages of her development: the mature Ka'iulani; the divided Ka'iulani during her life in Europe (played by two actresses); and the youthful anei innocent princess. Other characters portray King David Kalakaua, Queen Lili'uokalani, Princess Miriam Likelike, Ka'iulani's father Archibald S. Cleghorn, and her guardian, Theo Davis. Ka'iulani was developed by four collaborators:

playwright Kneuhuhl; director Carroll; Ryan Page, Kumu Kahua dramaturge; and Robert Nelson, songwriter and entertainer, whose dramatic poem "The Princess" was the inspiration for the work. Original music was written by music director Warren Cohen. Traditional songs and Hawaiian chants also are featured in the production. The schedule of performances: O'ahu— June 1 and 2, 8 p.m., Castle High School Theatre, Kane'ohe; June 15, 7 p.m., Waianae High School Cafetorium; June 22, 8 p.m., Princess Ruth Ke'elikolani Theater, Kamehameha Schools; June 29, 8 p.m., Leeward Community College Theatre. Kaua'i — June 10 and 11, 8 p.m., and June 12, 2 p.m., at Kaua'i War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihue. Sponsored by Kaua'i Community Players and County Arts Council. Mau'i — June 17 and 18, 8 p.m. Maui Community College student lounge, Kahului. Hawai'i — June 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m. and June 26, 2 p.m., University of Hawai'i at Hilo Theatre. Tickets are $5 adults, $4 students, senior citizens and military. Tickets are available at the door of all locations mentfoned.