Director’s Note

It is with much love and gratitude to all my haumana—especially my crew—for the love and dedication they have put towards our first dance theatre production of this epic Hawaiian tale, the first to be presented in Aotearoa. For the love and passion that everyone has put into this project, helping where they can especially with very little financial support, I want to say mahalo, mahalo, mahalo nui loa.

It has been my dream to put on a Hawaiian tale for many years. As a screenwriter, I've always drawn to wahine toa themes, and Pele is no exception. It is with much joy that I present to you all our mana wahine dance theatre production of Pele.

This presentation and this epic journey that I am continously on, could not have been conceived without the guidance and support of my kumu, Blaine Kamalani Kia. Mahalo, mahalo nui loa Kumu.

And last but not least, a big mahalo to our partners and families, who have been patient and supportive so we can dedicate our time to putting this show together.