After nearly a decade of training, living and performing in New York City and on major stages across North America, Joshua “Baba” Tavares returned home—not just to Hawaiʻi, but to his cultural roots. This fall, the Hōnaunau native will lead the cast of Puana, the latest hana keaka (theatre production) emerging out of the Hawaiian theatre program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The play, performed primarily in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), delves into the spiritual connections between Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and their kūpuna (ancestors).
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Tavares returned to Hawaiʻi after nearly nine years of performing in New York to pursue his MFA in acting and hana keaka at UH Mānoa. He graduated in spring 2024 and quickly made his mark in the Hawaiian theatre program, having already performed in five Hawaiian language productions, one of which was his original play Glitter in the Paʻakai that he wrote, directed and composed original songs for.
In Puana, he plays Kawohionālani, a musician in a contemporary Hawaiian band who uncovers deep connections to his kūpuna through music and genealogy.
“I feel very haʻaheo, I feel very proud to be part of this ʻohana, part of this movement of telling stories through our language and through our ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge),” said Tavares who also earned a BA in performing arts at UH Hilo in 2012. “I think it’s monumental in ways that will continue to expand throughout different generations. For future keiki to be able to celebrate and be like, ‘Eh, we can tell our stories and they’re beautiful, they belong on stage and they belong on screens!’”
ʻŌlelo legacy
Tavares’ connection to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi runs deep. Growing up within the Hawaiian language immersion program on Hawaiʻi Island, he and his siblings speak their native tongue fluently. His return to the islands has allowed him to further immerse himself in his heritage, both as an actor and now as an assistant professor of acting in the UH Mānoa theatre and dance department, where he teaches acting for tv, film as well as audition techniques and musical theatre preparation.
“It is surreal to be a faculty member, to be honest,” Tavares said. “I love acting, I love teaching, I love telling stories—so this position feels like divine timing. Very grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. My hope is to be able to allow local and Kanaka Maoli actors and storytellers to be able to receive world class training here at UH Mānoa.”
Moʻokūʻauhau and mele
Among the handful of cast members joining Tavares on stage are UH Mānoa Hawaiian Theatre MFA student actors Ikaika Mendez and Kāneikoliakawahineikaʻiukapuomua Baker, and UH Mānoa alumnus Kaʻula Krug, all contributing to a production that marries storytelling with the traditional Hawaiian art of moʻokūʻauhau (family lineage).
The production is a collaboration between Hawaiian Theatre and Ka Waihona A Ke Aloha, a project of the UH Mānoa Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language, and brings together an impressive creative team, such as Kumu Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker, founder of the Hawaiian Theatre program who wrote and directed the play, UH Mānoa Hawaiian language professor and composer Kumu Hula R. Keawe Lopes, Jr., Kumu Hula Tracie Kaʻōnohilani Lopes, Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musician Zachary Alakaʻi Lum, Moʻolono and playwright Kaipulaumakaniolono Baker, and Māori composer and recording artist Tawaroa Kawana.
Ticket Information
Puana will debut at Kennedy Theatre with performances September 27–28 and October 4–6. Tickets range from $5 to $25 and will be available at the Kennedy Theatre Box Office starting September 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour before each performance. Educators interested in field trips can contact ktbox@hawaii.edu.
