Tip-Off
Filmed 'hula performance' opens June 1

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"Holo Mai Pele," a filmed performance of Halau O Kekuhi's "hula opera," premieres at 7 p.m. June 1 at the Hawai'i Theatre.

Created by kumu hula Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele and Nalani Kanaka'ole of Hilo, the chant and dance epic was first presented on Maui in 1995. The film version is believed to be the first major Hawaiian chant and dance film, and the first on broadcast television; it will be telecast nationally this fall on the Public Broadcasting Service's award-winning "Great Performance" series.

The story tells of the long-running rivalry between goddess Pele and her sister Hi'iaka over Pele's lover Lohi'au, and the halau's dances are done in the hula aiha'a, or low-postured style, the antithesis of commercial hula.

The June 1 screening, a benefit for Pacific Islanders in Communications and Hawai'i Public Television, will include a live performance by Halau O Kekuhi and commentary from the kumu hula and from filmmaker Catherine Tatge.

Tickets: $30, $20 for students and senior citizens; $15 for groups of 10 or more.

Reservations: 528-0506.

A related half-day workshop on "The Making of Holo Mai Pele" is set for June 2 at Ward Warehouse, with Kanahele and Tatge. Cost: $40 or $30 for PIC members and students. Reservations: 941-5097.