Maui Theatre Presents 'Ulalena, a theatrical experience as impressive as the story. This is not just a theatre. It is a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art venue built for this presentation. It employs the talents of some of Hawaii's most distinguished musicians and performers, combining live traditional Hawaiian music with 8-channel surround sound.
Every seat maintains a sense of intimacy and interaction with the performance. Traditional Butoh theatre is blended with acrobatic feats of strength and beauty. Hula is combined with modern dance. Rich costumes, lighting and stage design are woven together into a filagree of fantastic images drawn from Hawaiian legend and history, pulling the viewer out of time and into a place of wonder, experiencing with awe the spirit-filled landscape of the imagination of the ancient Hawaiian story tellers.
'Ulalena is a wind unique to Maui, as said in the Kumulipo, an ancient Hawaiian creation chant, as well as a red-yellow colored rain revealed by the twilight. Like a soft wind in the mist of light.
'Ulalena invites each spectator to a place of wonder. "It is often said that life is a journey, an individual voyage which does not necessarily involve change of place. One is changed by events and the passage of time." (Eugenio Barba, The Paper Canoe, A Guide to Theatre Anthropology.)
'Ulalena explores relationships between people, nature and mythology. The use of metaphors integrates Hawaiian chants and dances, original music and choreography, lighting and projections to support the talents of unique performers.
'Ulalena is a journey where the moment to moment excitement of self-discovery is the destination.
Managing
Partner, Maui Theatre,
Mr. Roy Tokujo:
"It has always been my desire to share the rich cultural history of Hawaii with our visitors, but also to have an entertainment venue that the residents of Hawaii would take pride in. I also knew that to produce such an experience would take the collaborative efforts of the best talents in the world as well as those in Hawaii. All these aspirations came together when the Weinberg Foundation came to offer the perfect theater location in Lahaina, Maui. We were able to assemble some of the best creators of stage production in the world when we contracted with ARRA of Montreal, Canada. We provided them with the knowledge and experience of Hawaii through our many local consultants. After much research, interaction and collaboration, the production of 'Ulalena was born. It is a unique and exciting production that will stimulate your senses and let you 'feel' the spirit of Hawaii."
Creators of the concept, ARRA:
"When Roy Tokujo invited us to come to Maui to create a theatrical production, we were intrigued. Coming from diverse backgrounds, we mutually agreed that the show should be an artistic homage, a representation of the culture, its mythologies and the environment of Hawaii. We then developed a creative process to move from theatrical concept to realization, from the invisible to the visible. The creative team chose to focus on the underlying themes of migration, nature, human drama and growth. This adventure has taken a special importance in the lives of all involved, and we hope you enjoy your experience of 'Ulalena."
