Nija Rosamond
Hawaii Travel Expert

In the words of the creators 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."

Ulalena is the story of the Hawaiian islands, as told through song, music and dance... a 10 chapter journey is underway spanning through time...

1 - 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.

2 - 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.

3 -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.

4 - 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.

5 - 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.

6 - 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.

7 - 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.

8 - 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.

9 - 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.

10 - '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.Pele : '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.

Prices & Reservations

'Ulalena performances Sept. 1 - Dec. 8, 2001:
Tuesday, Friday & Saturday - twice each night (6 & 8:30)
Wednesday & Thursday - 6pm performance only

NOTE: Sorry, no performances Dec. 9 - Dec. 17, 2001. Shows begin again on Dec. 18.

'Ulalena performances Dec. 18 - Dec. 31, 2001:
Tuesday through Saturday - twice each night (6 & 8:30)
 
Adult $45.00
Youth (11-17) $35.00
Child (10 or under) $25.00
 
Acclaimed by critics as
"a must see...masterful, exhilarating and surprising." 'Ulalena is an amazing theatrical journey that weaves together the powerful images of Hawaiian mythology and history into a celebration of the spirit of the human imagination. 'Ulalena invites spectators of all ages into a place of wonder."