When I look back on my childhood, the memories warm my heart for many different reasons. My fondest times were spent with my maternal grandmother, whom we affectionately called Nanny. For all of my life she was a kumu hula, a teacher of Hawaiian dance. I recall spending many hours watching practices, hustling from hotels and venues for performances, and the countless hours of preparing costumes, fresh flower leis and ti leaf skirts. I continued this routine throughout my high school years, even passing on attending school functions just because I’d rather be around my Nan. After she passed away, I completely lost touch with the art of hula and my culture altogether, something that burdens me.
‘O ke au i kahuli wela ka honua ‘O ke au i kahuli lole ka lani ‘O ke au i kua’iaka ka la
The Kumulipo is a Hawaiian mythical creation chant that is over 2,000 lines long. The chant moves us from the earth to the heavens through the ocean and the land. It tells the story of the genealogy of the first man and woman, and everything in existence. According to the Kumulipo, ‘Ulalena is wind unique to the island of Maui sprinkled by a mist of rain that flickers of red and yellow in the twilight.
I had remembered in a conversation a few years ago that Lilinoe had always wanted to watch the Broadway show, ‘Ulalena. Having vacationed on Maui nearly five times since learning this information, yet hadn’t attended, it was important to me to treat her to an evening of ‘Ulalena.
The dimming of the lights signified the beginning of our journey, the sweet sound of the nose flute singing to our ears, the Kumulipo echoing through our souls, I was captured. We welcomed the emergence of the kalo (taro), ran through the mountains with goddess of fire Pele and demi-god Kamapua’a, grappled at the Makahiki in honor of the god of war Lono, witnessed the impact of Captain James Cook and understood the wrath of Pele. By the end of our journey I was in tears, I glanced over at Lilinoe and found that she too was crying.
Caught up in our emotions, we erupted with the rest of the audience in a standing ovation. And, as we exited was invited to the after-show experience with the cast and crew.
‘Ulalena is a journey, come aboard.
Beautiful post, thank you for sharing!
Valerie:
I appreciate you stopping by and welcome you to continue with me on this journey!
Aloha,
NEENZ.
I love how your writing always brings back fond memories of our childhood.
I’d also like to say that Ulalena gave me chicken skin as well when I went a few years back.
BEAUTIFUL!
Mahalo
Auntie P.