Silver Screen actress, Stella Adler said the theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation — a sort of spiritual and social X-ray of its time. It reflects both human diversity as well as the shared human experience. This month, the Kahilu Theatre perpetuates the great traditions of the performing arts and announces its 37th Presenting Season, which runs through June 2018.
Kahilu Theatre, known for educational programs and community events, also hosts productions from visiting companies who have created their productions both nationally and internationally.
This year’s lineup includes a music series, offering Hawaiian music, classical music and world music. Other series include theater and dance productions, exhibits and classic films.
Chuck Gessert, Kahilu Theatre artistic director, was recently elected to the board of the Performing Arts Presenters of Hawaii (PAPH), and explains how the process of selecting acts for each season takes place.
“The members of PAPH work together to bring international as well as mainland talent to Hawaii,” said Gessert. “About one-third of the artists in our 2017/18 were booked in collaboration with PAPH. This allows us to share the cost of getting artists to Hawaii and offer productions that otherwise we could not afford. Hawaiian music is my favorite genre and it does very well at Kahilu. We book those artists directly as well as about 15 other productions that we have this season.”
Beginning the season on Sept. 15 is Robbie Fulks. Nominated for two 2017 Grammy Awards, the Chicago singer/songwriter and his band will play bluegrass inspired Americana. Kumu Hula Mark Kealii Hoomalu and his Academy of Hawaiian Arts follow him the next evening.
“Opening weekend we have two completely different shows that I think audiences will love,” said Gessert. “I’ve seen Robbie Fulks in concert more than any other act on our season. Kumu Mark Kealii Hoomalu is designing a brand new show with his Academy of Hawaiian Arts just for our theatre — how exciting is that?”
The Theatre Series kicks off with Shank’s Mare on Oct. 6, a collaborative puppet performance by American puppeteer atom Lee and Japanese puppeteer Koryu Nishikawa V. In April, Kahilu is excited to present a production of Shakespeare’s, “The Taming of the Shrew.”
“We are bringing in an acting troupe, Actors From The London Stage, in April and they will perform a production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” said Gessert. “This promises to be a highlight of the season, but more important to us is they will spend a week here in residence and go out to area high schools for classroom workshops.”
The Dance Series includes the performance, “Star Dust — A Tribute to David Bowie” by Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company. The schedule also includes numerous classical music performances, as well as a rich line-up of classic and Hawaiian films.