View the 60 second 'Ulalena video:
In The Beginning...
The first verse of the Kumulipo, or Hawaiian creation chant, sets the theme
for the endless cycles of life. A lone man on a spiritual quest is seen carrying
a ka'ai ( a woven burial casket used to hold the bones of ancient ruling chiefs)
to an unknown destination. And taro, one of the food and plant staples of
the Hawaiian Islands, emerges out of the ground, dancing the first breath
of life.
The Ocean
provides the way for the first migrators from Tahiti. Navigating by the stars
and following signs from birds, they pursue their vision of Pele, the volcano
goddess, and her brother Kamohoali'i, the shark god. The demi-god Maui pulls
the islands from the depths of the ocean.
The Mythical
Forest...
A young ali'i has a vision of a Mo'o (a guardian spirit in the form of
a lizard) who inhabits a waterfall. The trees in the rainforest suddenly
come to life, manifesting their mana, or life-force; young men and women
run playfully among them. The gods reflect upon their passions and desires
while the half-hog, half-god, Kamapua'a pursues his passionate love for
Pele.
The Village...
Men pounding poi from fresh taro roots and women beating kapa exemplify simple
village life in Hawaii. The sister of the young ali'i has a vision of the
Kapa goddess while she works.
The Makahiki...
A long white tapa banner honoring the god of agriculture, Lono, announces
the annual celebration of the Makahiki Harvest Festival, a time of thanksgiving,
sports and taboo on war.
The European
Explorer
arrives and interrupts the climax of the Makahiki Festival. The great white
sails of the ship reveal a similarity with the Lono banner. The island inhabitants
vow reverence and great respect as they believe the god Lono has arrived in
human form.
Shadows
behind a ship sail expose the differences between two worlds and the introduction
of foreign elements. After the death of King Kamehameha, the old kapu system
is overthrown, resulting in conflict between the old and new ways.
The Hawaiian
Monarchy
witnesses some of the events of the nineteenth century before its downfall;
immigrants from around the world are brought to work in the islands' sugar
cane fields as the demand for sugar increases.
The Regenerating
Forces Of Nature...
Pele, the volcano goddess, explodes, reflecting the turbulent emotions of
the century. After her devastation comes a time of contemplation, where life
begins again under the peaceful lunar light of Hina, the goddess of the moon.
'Ulalena...
The new era of golden people face their future as the 'Ulalena rain embraces
them - their essence and spirit molded into a way of life that is close to
nature.
Arra Montreal
Acclaimed
by critics as
“...masterful,
exhilarating and surprising”
There is a wind peculiar to Maui that rises at twilight. It whispers of other places and other times, both mythic and real. It blows between daylight and night, between times and worlds. It is hopeful and cleansing. The ancient Hawaiian name for this wind is “'Ulalena.” It is also the name of the newest and most amazing stage production to come from Hawaii in decades.
The power of this production is that it is both universal and intimate. Born from a mythology populated by beings larger than life representing a natural landscape alive with volcanoes, vast oceans and primeval rain forests, the story begins with the mythic creation of the islands and rolls through successive waves of voyagers who have found their way to these shores. From the first Polynesians to Captain Cook, and finally to us.
This is a unique and compelling story. One worth telling. And Maui Theatre presents 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.
