Sacred Dances and Legends of Hawai’i on Stage at Bowker Auditorium

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After a February 2017 weather cancellation, the Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau Ensemble from the island of Oahu makes a second attempt at a Northeast appearance, presenting “When Gods Mingled With Mortals: Sacred Dances & Legends of Hawai’i” on Tuesday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Bowker Auditorium.

Choreographer and cultural historian Michael Pili Pang presents his new work based on the beloved legends of Hawai’i. Deeply rooted in one of Hawai’i’s great hula lineages, Pang specializes in fusing rituals and culture of hula with innovative choreography.

Traditionally, hula has been considered sacred; a part of the culture in which mele (poetry) served to convey the mo‘ōlelo (oral history). By performing ancient hulas, the Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau ensemble hopes to preserve this endangered art form from the encroachment of global culture.

The troupe will showcase a collection of hula dances that embody the spirituality of the Hawaiian people as well as the impact of colonial rule on the island’s culture.

Sacred Dances and Legends of Hawai’i will highlight the variety of hula styles in practice today–from the ancient hula kahiko to the post-1890s hula ‘auwana.

The performance will open with Hula pahu or “drum dance.” Often considered the voice of the gods, pahu were played to accompany the mele that is the base of every hula movement. This hula is a supplication to the gods, to entice them to reveal their presence.

Modern audiences are often more familiar with new hula ‘auwana, from the Hawaiian word meaning “to wander,” and some believe the name is a commentary on how hula “wandered away” from its traditional form. Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau ensemble will showcase the hula ʻauwana that existed during Hawai’i’s statehood years (1959–1965), exemplifying the contemporary styling by the hula master Maiki Aiu Lake, who fused the old dances with the court dances of the hula kuʻi, as well as the “Hollywood” style hula seen in the old screen movies.

Reserved tickets are $25, and youth (17 and under) are $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fineartscenter.com or by calling the Fine Arts Center Box Office at 1-800-999-UMAS or 413-545-2511.