'Inferno' creator mixes chant, Shakespeare

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Aina Rapoza and Jann Michishima, both center, are star-crossed lovers in "Inferno," which combines Hawaiian traditional chant and elements of Shakespeare. It begins tonight at The ARTS at Marks Garage. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser 'Inferno' A Hapa Theatre/Lizard Loft presentation 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday; repeats Aug. 9-11 The ARTS at Marks Garage $10, on sale 30 minutes before curtain opens 536-8047

Now he's bracing for the reaction. He does not want to offend anyone, but he says the premiere could be akin to walking the gangplank.

The work, staged by Lizard Loft and Hapa Theatre, makes its debut tonight at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

"The Hawaiian 'Kumulipo' part was performed nine years ago at Leeward Community College, as part of the 'For 'Ewa' trilogy," said Apostol. "It was well received, and it pretty much grew from that."

By growth, he refers to the added elements of Shakespeare with the dynamism of Japanese butoh. Chants with Hawaiian and Polynesian rhythms, melded with stage combat theatrics, could alarm and disturb Hawaiian purists, he fears.

"It's taken this long to have the stars in alignment," Apostol said of the rebirth of the "Kumulipo."

"I sought comment and reaction," he said of elders who could endorse his efforts or steer him in the right direction. But it was delicately futile.

"I am concerned about what people think, but I would like to get across the idea that the message of what I'm doing, an experimental multicultural theater piece, is appropriate for Hawai'i's multitude of cultures and backgrounds. But, yes, I wonder if there will be possible backlash."

"I'm not out to offend, but you just can't tell how people will react," said Apostol.

"Inferno" depicts a story of war among the gods; the butoh Gods of Night control all that falls within the realm of nocturnal energy, reflected in swimming, feeding, slithering and crawling in the dark; and the tribal Gods of Day bring the fury of light dwellers, representing civilization, conflict and man.

As in the "Romeo and Juliet" story, there are two star-crossed lovers, one from each faction, and the question is: Will their love survive the impending inferno?

Dramatizing the "Kumulipo," he said, required a dose of dramatic conflict. "In the original chant, there's none; in drama, you need conflict."

The revival reflects a progression of the piece, he said, which now incorporates butoh, a form of artistry Apostol discovered through works of other local artists. The evolving "Inferno," he said, "just seemed like something I could do in a different venue."

Essentially, Apostol said "Inferno" qualifies as both drama and dance.