Kamehameha Schools Hawaii will stage its third Hawaiian language opera titled “Ha‘upu” on March 10-11 in Koai‘a Gymnasium as part of the school’s annual Ho‘ike.
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii will stage its third Hawaiian language opera titled “Ha‘upu” on March 10-11 in Koai‘a Gymnasium as part of the school’s annual Ho‘ike.
“Ha‘upu” is based on the legend of Hina and her son, Kana. Hina, an alii from Hilo, is kidnapped by Kapepe‘ekauila, a rogue alii from the island of Molokai. In retaliation for this outrageous kidnapping, Hina’s sons, Kana and Niheu, mount an attack on Kapepe‘ekauila’s fortress on the north shore of Molokai on the cliffs of Ha‘upu.
While the daring rescue is being conceived and carried out, Hina unexpectedly begins to fall in love with her captor, Kapepe‘ekauila. In the end, Hina is saved by her sons and Kapepe‘ekauila vanquished although the true fate of Hina’s love for the Molokai alii is unknown.
Ho‘ike is an all-school production which tells a story through beautiful and powerful mele (song), oli (chant) and hula (dance).
Proceeds will benefit the Ho‘ike A Ha‘i trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, where “Ha‘upu” also will be performed.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Ticket prices range from $10-15. For more information, call 982-0734 or visit www.ksbe.edu/kshhoike.