Kupua Brings a Contemporary Twist to Traditional Hawaiian Stories
A local theater is reviving a 25-year-old play that retells classic Hawaiian stories for modern audiences, which is good news for anyone looking for a fun, culturally rich night out.
- A theater group is restaging "Kupua," a show built from traditional Hawaiian folklore stories.
- The play is performed in pidgin and leans into humor, suspense, and lots of movement to make old stories feel fresh and accessible.
- Kupua are mythical ancestor figures from Hawaiian tradition, often portrayed as tricksters; one storyline follows a man-turned-caterpillar who struggles to properly care for the woman he's involved with.
- This revival adds more music, dance, and tension compared to the original 2001 production, according to the director and cast.
- A buy-one-get-one ticket deal is running for Friday the 13th, with tickets available through the box office or the theater's website.
Outlook: The show continues its run with special ticket promotions this week, aiming to draw new and returning audiences to see traditional stories told in a modern, comedic style.