The Pa'akai We Bring

Embark on a Cultural Journey: Explore the Legacy of Pa‘akai at MBT!

Discover the Native Hawaiian relationship to pa‘akai (salt) and the many uses it has in Hawaiian culture, both practical and spiritual. Traditionally, pa‘akai is food, medicine, a sacrament, and a treasured gift. Follow along as a family with multiple generations of salt farmers on Kauaʻi, share about Pa’akai through ancient stories, hula, live music, original songs, and plenty of audience participation!

Created in partnership with the Bishop Museum and cultural elders and leaders, the performance is intended for a multi-generational audience, so audience members young and old can have this restorative experience together. The music for the show was written and composed to share a mixture of traditional and modern Hawaiian styles, such as oli (chant), hula (dance), kī hōʻalu (slack key), and reggae.

This project was awarded the NEFA Theatre Project Creation Grant in 2021, premiered in fall 2022, and embarked on a broader national tour in 2023-2024.

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