Ulalena, Myth Magic and Maui
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Astounding, Authentic, Breathtaking and Entertaining are only a few of the words one can attribute to the fantastic show, Ulalena, staged before mesmerized audiences in the new state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar Maui Myth and Magic Theatre in Lahaina.
Cove Entertainment and Arra-Maui have brought together over 20 professional performers in the presentation of an extravaganza that tells the story of the Hawaiian Islands, from its mythical creation, the arrival of the first Polynesians, and to the modern cultural renaissance through ancient chants, hula, song and drama, traditional music, acrobatics, and dance.
The power of this production is that it is both universal and intimate with the audience feeling involved throughout the performance. It is born from a mythology populated by beings larger than life representing a natural landscape alive with volcanoes, vast oceans, and primeval rainforests.
The first scene of the Kumulipo, or Hawaiian creation chant, sets the theme for the endless cycles of life. A lone man on a spiritual quest is seen carrying a ka`ai (woven burial basket used to hold the bones of ancient ruling chiefs) to an unknown destination, and taro, one of the food and plant staples of the Hawaiian Islands, emerges out of the ground, dancing for the first breath of life.
Scene two...
The ocean provides the way for the first immigrants from Tahiti. Navigating by the stars, they pursue their vision of Pele, the Volcano Goddess, and her brother Kamohoali`i, the Shark God. The demigod Maui pulls the Islands from the depths of the ocean. This was a stunning and breath-taking scene which depicted the Polynesians' ocean voyage; cast members move through the audience, holding replicas of colorful sea creatures and angelfish at the end of long sticks, creating the impression that the audience were underwater, swimming with the fish.
Scene three...
The mythical forest where a young Ali`i (Hawaiian royalty) has a vision od Mo`o (Guardian spirit in the form of a lizard) who inhabits a waterfall. The trees in the rainforest suddenly come to life, manifesting their mana, or life force; young men and women run playfully among them. The Gods reflect upon their passions and desires while the half hog, Kamapua`a pursues his passionate love for Pele.
Scene four...
The scene is in the village where men pounding poi from fresh taro roots and women beating kapa exemplify simple village life in Hawaii. The sister of the young ali`i has a vision of the Kapa Goddess while she works. Then the Makahiki, a long white Tapa banner honoring the God of agriculture, Lono, announces the annual celebration of the Makahiki Harvest Festival, a time of thanksgiving, sports, and taboo on war.
The European Explorer arrives and interrupts the climax of the Makahiki Festival. The great white sails reveal a similarity with Lono's banner. The island inhabitants then vow reverence and great respect as they believe the God Lono has arrived in human form. The audience is taken to the next scene exposing the differences between two worlds and an introduction of foreign elements. After the death of King Kamehameha, the old kapu system is overthrown, resulting in conflict between the old and new ways.
One of the most enthralling scenes depicts the forces of nature—"Pele", the volcano goddess—explodes in response to turbulent times, unleashing her fury by emitting yards of lava-red cloth from her robes. The performers pull the cloth over the audience, all the way back to the 700-seat theatre, built especially for Ulalena, as spectators raise their hands to support it as it passes overhead.
In another exciting scene, a mo`o (w
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Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com
About the Author
Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.