Hawaiian stories of supernatural beings, love and family come to life in Kupua, a play by University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补’s Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker returning to Kumu Kahua Theatre for its 25th anniversary.
Opening October 29, the production brings together 糖心视频 students, alumni and faculty to reimagine the work Baker wrote on commission for Kumu Kahua in 2001. Baker is the founder and director of 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补’s .
Kupua weaves together two traditional Hawaiian moʻolelo ka‘ao (stories), “Ka ʻEnuhe” and “Ka Puhi a me Ka Loli,” from Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island. At the center are kupua, supernatural shapeshifters whose appetites threaten the families around them. The stories blend suspense and humor while exploring how people recognize danger and protect those they love.
“I’ve always been interested in the fantastical, so having these stories from our past that have a hint of magic, a hint of something beyond us, were a natural choice to explore when thinking about what magic can happen in the theatrical space,” Baker said.
New mele, dance
This staging features three new mele (songs) composed by Baker and arranged by 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补 Assistant Professor Joshua ‘Baba’ Kamoaniʻala Tavares. William Kealiʻinohopono Kāhele and Reyn Afaga co-direct the production that includes movement ranging from hula to breakdancing.
The production draws students, alumni and faculty from four 糖心视频 campuses: 惭ā苍辞补, Kapiʻolani, Windward and Leeward. Scenic designer Antonio Hernandez earned his master of fine arts (MFA) at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补 in May. Three cast members are current Windward Community College students or recent graduates. Artistic director Harry Wong III of Kumu Kahua Theatre earned his MFA in directing at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补.
For Baker, the anniversary also carries personal meaning. Her daughter, Kaʻiukapu Baker, had not been born when Kupua premiered. Now, she is helping bring her mother’s play to life as a costume designer.
For audiences, Baker hopes the laughter and suspense spark a deeper interest in Hawaiian stories and the places they come from.
“I hope they enjoy and laugh and all of that good stuff. But I also hope that the play might stir people’s interest to learn more,” Baker said.
Performance information
Kupua runs October 29–November 29, with performances Thursdays–Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $8 on Thursdays and Fridays and $13 on weekends. Purchase tickets at .