Windward Community College’s Palikū Theatre presents Stories of Kūpuna: Lights from the Past, a docudrama inspired by the memories and lessons of actual kūpuna (elders) of Hawaiʻi. Heartwarming, comic and tragic, these dramatized stories share valuable wisdom to upcoming generations.
“With technology changing at lightning speeds, it’s important to remember the wisdom of those who came before us and temper designs for the future with knowledge of the past,” said director Taurie Kinoshita.
The vignettes, set in multiple decades, explore issues that Hawaiʻi’s ancestors faced, such as racism, same-sex harassment and Hansen’s disease. Featuring an excerpt from Shipment Day by Lorenzo DeStefano and original scenes inspired by interviews with kūpuna—written by Kinoshita—Stories of Kūpuna is an evening of humor, drama and triumph with scenes spanning the 1930s through the early 2000s.
“On August 12th my mentor, Terence Knapp, passed away. I was lucky enough to learn from his life stories of early days with the Royal Shakespeare Company, growing up in England during the bombing raids of WWII, and so many other important memories and ideas. Our show is dedicated to him,” said Kinoshita.
Kinoshita previously directed Massie/Kahahawai and Burning/Memory at Palikū Theatre, Pelicans and Dead of Night at Kumu Kahua Theatre, and most recently Macbeth for Hawaii Shakespeare Festival.
Ticket information
Stories of Kūpuna: Lights from the Past will be performed on October 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and on October 20 and 23 at 4 p.m.
- $10 Students (12+ and college students with ID), Seniors (65+), Military (with ID)
- $15 Adults; Group rates available
Purchase tickets online or call (808) 235-7315.
Due to adult situations and themes, this play is recommended for ages 12 and older.
For more information about Stories of Kūpuna, call (808) 235-7315 or email palikuboxoffice@gmail.com.
