Kumu Kahua to tell folk tales of 'Kupua' March 15

Kumu Kahua will present the premiere of Tammy Haili‘opua Baker’s "Kupua: Two Traditional Hawaiian Stories of Shape-Shifters" at 8 p.m. March 15 at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St.

The play, enlivened by vigorous hula and gnashing chant, is formed of a collection of sensuous folk tales focusing on one of the lesser known of Hawaiian mythological traditions: magical shape-shifting spirits called kupua who inhabited the forms of animals by day and human erotic partners by night.

The play was commissioned by Kumu Kahua, the Island theater group that stages plays about life in Hawai‘i, most often by Island authors.

Harry Wong III will direct.

The production will continue through April 15.

Charge by phone: 536-4441.

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