Casting call for Waimea Community Theatre’s production of ‘The Hobbit’
Waimea Community Theatre is holding auditions at 6 p.m. May 7 and May 8 for “The Hobbit.” The auditions will be held at the North Hawaii Education and Resource Center in Honokaa.
Callbacks will be May 9. The open casting is for all parts, and all ages are welcome.
The show will open July 27-29 at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Additional performances will also be performed at the Aloha Performing Arts Center and the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center.
Info: Call 339-8947 or visit waimeacommunitytheatre.org.
Metropolitan Opera baritone to perform on the Big Island
Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (HPAF) announces that it will present Tim Willson of the Metropolitan Opera in two appearances on Hawaii Island. Willson, who has performed with internationally acclaimed opera stars around the world, will present “Center Stage: My Life at the Met”, on May 3 at Isaacs Art Gallery in Kamuela, and “May Memories,” on May 5 at a private home in Captain Cook. Proceeds from these events go toward HPAF’s 2018 scholarship fund.
Willson’s Hawaii performances will be accompanied by Val Underwood, artistic director of the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, a life-long friend.
The May 3 concert at 4 p.m. at Isaacs Art Gallery in Waimea is “Center Stage: My Life at the Met,” when Mr. Willson will share memories, songs and stories from his years at the Met. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is extremely limited.
The May 5 concert at 2 p.m. at a private home in Captain Cook, “May Memories,” is a sampling of comedy, Gershwin, Gilbert &Sullivan and Irish music. Light pupu and libations served. Seating is extremely limited.
Info: Tickets available at www.HawaiiPerformingArtsFestival.org or by calling 333-7378.
Pa‘u Workshop at Kona Historical Society
A workshop about pa‘u equestrian traditions and practices will be held at the Kona Historical Society at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
In preparation for the upcoming King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Historic Kailua Village on June 9, the workshop will highlight lei making, pa‘u history and tradition, parade protocol and the wrapping of the fabric. Open to the public, the free event will be led by kumu (teachers) of the pa‘u tradition.
Lei for horse and rider are made from flowers and plants that represent the colors and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. This year’s parade will feature pa‘u units representing the eight major islands led by their respective pa‘u princesses, along with the Pa‘u Queen and her unit. The queen and princesses are responsible for organizing their units, including the gathering of natural materials for lei making. Each unit prepares for weeks in advance prior to parade day.
A type of culotte or skirt, the pa‘u is fashioned from a single piece of fabric wrapped around the rider to cover the legs and stirrups. It is held in place at the waist by kukui nuts twisted inside the fabric.
The first horses arrived in Hawaii in 1803. Originally, the pa‘u skirt was worn to protect a woman’s fancy clothing when she rode to a gathering, with rope used to fasten calico fabric around the waist and feet. The early 1900s marked the first appearance of island princesses riding in floral parades where satin and other types of elegant fabrics began to be utilized.
Info: Contact parade chairman Barbara Nobriga at 322-9944, or visit KonaParade.org.
VAC to host discussion on the Sandalwood Trade
The ‘iliahi (sandalwood) trade in the early 19th century marked the Kingdom of Hawaii’s first foray into international economic activity. The resulting destruction of the sandalwood forests is well known. Paul Field will lead “The Sandalwood Trade in Hawaii: Unforeseen Consequences” discussion from 7-9 p.m. tonight at Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Paul Field, a retired Professor of History at Windward Community College, will discuss how the sandalwood trade affected relations between commoners and chiefs, altered the concept of mana, and led to the first official interference of the United States government in the affairs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Hawaiian studies and history enthusiasts will enjoy this informative, engaging evening.
This event is free, although a $5 donation to Volcano Art Center is greatly appreciated.
The evening is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and the environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance your appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
Information: Call VAC at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Introduction to Flameworking at VAC
In the multi-faceted world of glass, Volcano Art Center is pleased to expand its offerings of glass art workshops with “Flameworking – An Introductory Class” on from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Flameworking, also known as lampworking or torchworking, is a type of glasswork where the artist utilizes a torch or lamp to melt the glass. Once in a molten state, the glass is blown and shaped with tools and hand movements, forming beads, figurines, or other similar miniature artwork.
This class is designed for the student who has never touched a torch. Instructor Nash Adams-Pruitt will teach the regions of the flame and heat base for a solid foundation from which to build flamework skills. Nash will lead the class in creating sphere forms and pendants.
Class fee is $160/$155 for VAC members plus a $40 supply fee. Attendees are asked to wear covered shoes. Advance registration is required and this workshop will be limited to four adults.
Info: To register call Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
‘Mantra — Sounds into Silence’ screening in Kona
“Mantra — Sounds into Silence” will be playing at Makalapua Movie Theater at 3 p.m. May 6. The documentary that charts the history, effect and phenomenon of chanting.
Reserve tickets online at https://gathr.us/screening/23043.
After the film, there will be a gathering by Vegan Aloha at the Hawaiian Queen Coffee Garden on Henry Street at 6 p.m. Food will be provided by Swami’s Dosa Grill.
Information: Email info@veganaloha.com.