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Every culture has its defining myth: Hindus have the Mahabharata, the Greeks the Homeric Odyssey. For native Hawaiians, perhaps no myth is more central than the story of the Fire Goddess Pele and her enduring rivalry with her sister Hi'iaka. Six years ago, the renowned dance company Halau O Kekuhi began the ambitious undertaking of assembling and recreating the legend for modern audiences, translating it to the contemporary stage by combining the traditions of Hawaiian chant and hula with innovative elements of Western theater. The work, "Holo Mai Pele" (Pele Travels), premiered on Maui in 1995. A dynamic blend of traditional Hawaiian chant and dance, this remarkable performance now comes to public television for the first time under the auspices of the Pacific Islanders in Communications in an exciting adaptation for DANCE IN AMERICA.
Writer Gia Kourlas' interview with the director of the film, Catherine Tatge, is included in Dialogue.
The Multimedia Presentation is an introduction to the movement and meaning of key hula gestures. Plus, read a brief synopsis of the myth.
Special funding for this program was provided by the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, the Irene Diamond Fund, and Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation.
Top banner photos: Pele's lover, Lohi'au; members of the famed dance company Halau O Kekuhi. |
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The stunning costumes are all original
and created by the individual dancers. |
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Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele, one of
the co-creators of the dance work. |
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