Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2004

Show features inmates on Maui

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

A production spotlighting the experiences and thoughts of Maui prison inmates will be staged Nov. 19 and 20 at McCoy Studio Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Curtain is 7:30 p.m. for "Na Leo I Ka Pu'uwai (Voices of the Heart)," directed by Lane Nishikawa, who also is known as an award-winning author, playwright and filmmaker.

In preparation for the presentation, Nishikawa conducted writing and acting workshops for 36 men and women incarcerated at Maui Community Correctional Center.

The production also will feature hula by the prison halau Na Pa'ahao Maoli, under the direction of Debbie Kamali'i, training and cultural renewal specialist for the correctional center's Being Empowered and Safe Together (BEST) Reintegration Program.

BEST seeks to reduce the recidivism rate by offering services, treatment, and educational and vocational opportunities to inmates being released from prison.

The play was financed through a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, as well as additional support from Alexander & Baldwin Foundation and Maui County. It will premiere Nov. 18 in a private showing to family members of the inmates and supporters of the BEST program.

Parental discretion is advised: The production may include graphic language.

Tickets are $18 and $10 for seniors and are available at the cultural center box office, (808) 242-7469.