Iona troupe visually weaves tales

Advertiser Staff

DeBlieck and Andrea Torres in "Hawaiian Myths & Legends."

David DeBlieck returns from Minneapolis as a guest artist and choreographer this season with the Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre. Photos by Carl Hefner

"Hawaiian Myths," which made its debut in 1998, offers a visual spectacle as it tells such tales as Kamapua'a, the pig god, and his passionate relationship with fire goddess Pele; and the story of Pele and her sister Hi'iaka, complete with three floor-length feather capes. The finale promises an exhilarating lava eruption and fluorescent bodies in motion.

The concert is directed by founding artistic director Cheryl Flaharty; David DeBlieck, former Iona dancer who now leads his own ensemble in Minneapolis, returns this season as a featured guest artist and co-choreographer. Other collaborators on "Hawaiian Myths" include playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl and composers Melinda Caroll and David Kauahikaua.

Showtime is 8 p.m. each day. Tickets are $25 to $40, with discounts available for students, seniors and military. 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com.

After tonight's performance, head for Studio 1, where Iona dancers and crew are staging a party from 9:30 p.m. The band Quadraphonix is performing, too. Cover: $10.