KAILUA-KONA — During her life as a performing artist, Angelia Han has traveled the country, dancing and performing spoken word while living on the mainland in locations such as Colorado and California.
Now, she is transforming her love of the art into a project that she hopes will become an annual event in Kailua-Kona.
On Friday and Saturday, Han will be hosting auditions for the inaugural Spoken Art, an event for the community youth to showcase their talents through singing, rapping, beatbox and dance.
This is the first time Han has organized and run a project like this. It was her move to Hawaii in the last year that inspired her to do more than just perform.
“I came to Kona about a year ago,” Han said. “The youth here doesn’t really have that (spoken word) platform, so I wanted to create that safe environment for them to perform.
“I’ve always partaken and performed spoken word, but I’ve never organized an event like this, so this is the first for me.”
Spoken word is a type of poetry that is meant to be performed on stage in front of an audience. Han, a dance instructor and performer, said her art is derived from her life experiences, and that she’s picked up “bits and pieces” everywhere she’s been.
Auditions are from 5-7 p.m. Friday and from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kona Dance and Performing Arts at 81-973 Halekii St. in Kealakekua. Those participating will then get a chance to pair up and collaborate for original pieces to be performed May 26 at Umekes Pa’aina.
“I love working with the arts, dance and spoken word, so I like to use that platform as a way to get a message out,” Han said.
For her first event, Han has paired with Ho’ola Na Pua, a nonprofit organization that aids in recovery for sex trafficking victims across Hawaii. Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to benefit Ho’ola Na Pua.
Han said that an official time and ticket prices for the May 26 event have not been set yet.
The event is geared toward teenagers and young adults. Han said that it’s important to her that it’s the younger crowd performing, and adults listening.
“It’s important for adults to see a different experience and hear a different perspective,” Han said. “It’s important for adults to have that understanding of the younger generation.”