Kathlina Martin, an alumna of the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is helping to bring Micronesian culture to global audiences through her involvement with TeAda Productions, a traveling theatre company.
Martin’s connection to theater emerged from her desire to preserve Micronesian cultural narratives. Inspired by TeAda Productions’ mission to amplify marginalized voices, she found their community-driven storytelling approach reminiscent of the sipai (skits) she performed growing up. TeAda produces plays that address health, education and social justice issues.
Born on the island of Piis Paneu in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Guam and later earned her master of social work from UH Mānoa in 2011. She taught high school for three years before moving to Hawaiʻi, and currently works with immigrant communities as a migrant education specialist for Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Her work helps connect migrant families to community resources such as resource fairs, job fairs and food banks.
Dual roles bridge past and present for Pacific Islanders
After attending a community engagement workshop for TeAda Productions’ play Nothing Micro About Micronesia, Martin was invited to join the cast. She plays Tinana, the grandmother, and Mama Kiwin, who uses magic to control the elements. The play has been performed in several cities and is scheduled for upcoming showings, including at the Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success conference on Hawaiʻi Island in October.
“There’s nothing micro about Micronesia. Just look at it. You have almost over two hundred thousand people throughout and a large ocean that they use as their highway, even today,” Martin said. “There are big moments of our [geographic region of Micronesia] history that most everyone knows about too, whether it’s the bombing of the Marshall Islands or the famous navigators with their advanced charts.”
Theresa Kreif, director of Pacific Pathways & Workforce Development Initiatives at the Thompson school, praised Martin’s innovative approach to advocacy.
“Kathy’s investment in showcasing the cultural strengths of Micronesia-connected communities through theater increases the visibility of their numerous contributions and ensures a space where culture is celebrated,” she said.
Through her work as a social worker and her volunteerism in community theater, Martin aspires to highlight the wisdom, strength and resiliency of Micronesia, fostering a sense of familial unity akin to her island upbringing.
