ADAPTED, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY KUMU HULA ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING

CHOREOGRAPHED BY KUMU HULA BLAINE KAMALANI KIA AND ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING

Pele, the Goddess of Fire, falls into a deep sleep travelling throughout the islands of Hawai'i. When Pele arrives on the island of Kaua'i, she meets the charming Prince Lohiau'ipo, who falls deeply in love with the beautiful and mysterious stranger.

When: Saturday 2nd December 2023, 1pm & 7pm

Where: Te Pou Theatre, 2 Mt Lebanon Lane Henderson

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 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 choreographer and screenwriter, I've always been drawn to stories of wahine toa 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. Mahaaaalo nui Kumu, I love so very much.

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

CAST

Pele - Goddess of Fire - ROBERTA FAITELE

Prince Lohiau'ipo - ASH TIRAHA

Hi'iaka - SESILA FINAU

Namaka - Goddess of the Sea - TANIORA ATAMA

Kapoulakina'u - Goddess of Sorcery/Fertility - MELIAME KEKE JACKSON

Hopoe - TONI PENINA TALAMAIVAO

Pa'uopalapalae - PORTIA AVA MEREDITH-NUMIA

Mo'o - MERRY FINAU

Villagers - CALEB KAY, EILEEN WHITE, EMILY WOODWARD, EVA MACGREGOR, GILDA SOBERANO-FRANCISCO, JANE GUDSELL, LEONORA O'LOUGHLIN, LAISA PICKERING, MARLINA THOMPSON, MELIAME KEKE JACKSON, MERRY FINAU, MIKIKO PICKERING ISPEN, MURIEL KUOPPALA, NATHAN SIKOTI-NAIK, PAULINA BENTLEY, PORTIA AVA MEREDITH-NUMIA, ROSEY FELTHAM, SALLY TUIOTI, SAM HARAWIRA, SHELLY AIYAZ, TANIORA ATAMA, TASHA DALTON, TONI PENINA TALAMAIVAO, TUI HIBBS, XARA JULIETTE PICKERING, ZECHARIAH SOAKAI

CREW

Artistic Director and Producer - ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING

Written and Adapted - ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING

Script Consultant - BLAINE KAMALANI KIA

Choreographer - ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING, BLAINE KAMALANI KIA

Music - BLAINE KAMALANI KIA

Music Arrangment - ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING

Lighting Designer - ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING

Set Designer - LAISA PICKERING

Head of Costumes - MIKIKO PICKERING-ISPEN

Costumes Assist - CAROLYN SLADE, JANE GUDSELL

Props - CAROLYN SLADE

Lighting Operator - ZANE ALLEN

Stage Manager - ZECHARIAH SOAKAI

Social Media - ROBERTA FAITELE

PR - EMILY WOODWARD

Graphic Designer - MURIEL KUOPPALA

Programme - CALEB KAY

Acknowledgements

MOANA COOK - Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre

LAURA PETERS - New Lynn Community Centre

TAIKA - Kuoppala residence

SHELLY AIYAZ - New Windsor Hub

RICHARD MORGAN

KRISTOPHER MORGAN