Performance reading of a forgotten story worth remembering.

The Maui Academy of Performing Arts’ (MAPA) Steppingstone Playhouse at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center in Kahului will present a performance reading of Ka‘iulani, The Island Rose, on Saturday, April 12, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and donations will be accepted.

Ka‘iulani, The Island Rose is an original stage play written and researched by C. Harvie-Yamaguchi and J.J. Fahrni (of Maui Celtic) over the past five years. The screenplay and stage play have both been completed. The story celebrates the coming of age of a brave young woman who overcame personal sorrow and prejudice to become Hawai‘i’s “Hope of the Nation.”

“This story is not candy-coated,” said the writers. “There is no slant—it’s about the truth and it’s a story that is rarely told. Ka‘iulani changed forever how the world saw the Hawaiian people. Ka‘iulani has been forgotten and it’s time she was celebrated—here in Hawai‘i most importantly.”

This is a period piece (1885 to 1893) surrounding the life of Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani Cleghorn. The play covers a controversial period in Hawaiian history in which several members of the musically gifted Kalakaua Royal Family are depicted, as well as other well-known politicians and ladies of the day.

“A project like this is a large undertaking but we have been blessed with some wonderful readers lined up for the Saturday Performance Reading. This is the time to make changes if changes need to be made and that’s why we are inviting the entire community to take part in this process.” said Fahrni. Anyone wanting to take part in, or sponsor, the stage production is also encouraged to attend. There will be a discussion after the performance for those wishing to take part.

It is not widely known that Ka‘iulani was a child of dual heritage, her mother being the willful and tempestuous Hawaiian Princess Miriam Likelike, and her father, Archibald Cleghorn, the Scottish entrepreneur and advisor to the monarchy. This remarkable child of two races was educated in Hawai‘i and the British Isles and was heir to the Hawaiian throne at the time of annexation.

At the age of 17, the young princess fought courageously for her country in its hour of need. Ka‘iulani was also instrumental in changing the world’s prejudiced view of the Hawaiian people.

This public reading will ultimately lead to a large musical stage production for Hawai‘i, which will first be performed here in Maui. Casting of the actual stage production will be the next step.

Note: This is a different project than the one currently under Hawaiian protest on O‘ahu.

For more information, contact David Johnston at MAPA at 244-8760, or Maui Celtic at 264-5190.