Photos by Kainoa Kaeha
Through music and memory, “Puana” sets the stage for a compelling mo‘olelo (narrative) in an exploration of Native Hawaiian genealogy.
The Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa proudly presents the world premiere hana keaka (Hawaiian theatre), “Puana,” on September 27-28 and October 4-6. Written and directed by Tammy Haili‘ōpua Baker with Kaipulaumakaniolono Baker, this hana keaka oscillates between the musical journeys of a group of friends and their self-discovery as they explore their ancestral roots.
“I hope that when people come to see this, they see our music heritage and legacy, and they see ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i alive and well, and the current and future generations embracing that and moving forward as we carry our kūpuna with us,” says Haili‘ōpua. “Puana” implores the audience to contemplate on the roots of our past and future possible generations so as to build the ancestral bridge and reinforce the legacy of our cultural heritage. “Retain thy heritage, and thy heritage shall retain thee” as said in the production.
Haili‘ōpua saw the opportunity for the hana keaka to serve as a catalyst for language acquisition, and that led to the choice of having this piece of art display talent in its most authentic form, with “Puana” performed in predominantly ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. “In performing and embodying the stories of our ancestors and even the stories of today, it’s a means for us to stand proud in our identity, stand proud in our language, and honor our stories, honor our language, honor our different types of hana no‘eau artistry, as well as our genealogical connections,” she says.
In this production, the audience can expect to be captivated by a music ensemble playing behind the performers as they bring this story to life. With swanky instrumentation that enraptures the audience and passionate vocals that deliver powerful sentiments of the Hawaiian language, “Puana” is an unforgettable nearly two-hour experience.
The story begins with Kawohi, played by Joshua “Baba” Kamoani‘ala Tavares, reminiscing on relics left behind by his grandfather, Nae (Kanae-Sweet) played by Theo Kāneikoliakawahineika‘iukapuomua Baker, who was a musical artist during his prime. The three friends Kawohi, Kahaleilaumāne played by Ikaika Mendez, and Kupuna played by Ka‘ulakauikeaokea Krug, embark on a musical journey, where they hone their cultural heritage through their creativity.
Each character displayed such a unique stage presence with their infectious wit that executes perfectly. The set was glamorously designed and it featured the music ensemble on a platform stage reminiscent of a 1960s showcase. The entirety of this performance demonstrated a certain allure that never ceases to amaze.
Noted by Haili‘ōpua, time was the biggest challenge for her in the production of this play. "We were very ambitious with this production, and you'll see the different assets of artistry that we try to pull into this [...]," she says. Time itself often goes wasted, but future audiences of this performance will surely find their time worthwhile.
The most impressive aspect of this performance was the overall passion and vigor that “Puana” radiates. There is such an emotional depth infused with every moment of the performance that an audience would heavily resonate with. “It has been a very enriching experience to work with people who are incredibly talented that I love and have deep respect for. To see the collective vision manifest is phenomenal. Difficult to put into words,” Haili‘ōpua says. “Puana” gives the audience an exclusive mo‘olelo told in a beautiful way that English simply cannot.
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