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Kamehameha students make history with Hawaiian opera

Kapepeʻekauila gazes upon Hina, recognizing her beauty,

KS Hawaiʻi offered the Fringe something it had never seen in its nearly 70 years, a Hawaiian opera.

Edinburgh, Scotland— Students from Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i campus made history, performing their Hawaiian opera, Hā‘upu, for the first time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

It was the first Hawaiian language production and first production to feature hula and oli (chant) in the nearly seven decade old history of the Fringe. In doing so, it marked a major milestone for the Hawaiian culture in reaching this audience across the globe.

Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i was selected to participate in the festival over 15 months ago, and over that time countless hours have been spent preparing for this moment. The production featured in Scotland is adapted from the school’s Hō‘ike, which was performed in March 2016.

Hā‘upu tells the legend of Kana and Nīheu and their daring rescue of their mother Hina, from a Moloka‘i chief who kidnapped her in attempt to barter a peace and preserve the way of life for his people. It has been compared to the myth of Helen of Troy.

Nineteen students from KS Hawai‘i are taking part in this experience with the American High School Theater Festival. They have spent the last week touring the United Kingdom, taking part in a workshop at the Shakespeare’s Globe theater, attending other productions and interacting with peers from across the United States.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest performing arts festival with nearly 4,300 shows performed over the course of roughly a month. For more information visit www.edfringe.com.

For more information on the production, trip to Scotland or performing arts group, visit www.ksbe.edu/kshhoike.