Kumu Hula Sonny Ching and Halau Na Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu perform nationally-acclaimed work.

Merrie Monarch Festival winner Sonny Ching and his epic hula drama, Ho‘oulu I Ka Na‘auao: To Grow in Wisdom, was recently recognized as an American Masterpiece by the National Endowment for the Arts—and Maui Arts & Cultural Center is proud to present this nationally-acclaimed work for one night only at the Castle Theater on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. as part of “The MACC Presents…” 2008–09 Hawai‘i Maoli Series.

Ho‘oulu I Ka Na‘auao or, “To Grow in Wisdom,” is a riveting stage performance from kumu hula Ching and Halau Na Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu that tells of 3,000 years of Hawaiian history through hula, chant, song, video and storytelling. The program starts from the Kumulipo, a Hawaiian creation chant, then follows pivotal events throughout Hawai‘i’s history, from the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, to statehood and present-day Hawai‘i. The powerful choreography reflects Ching’s dedication to living and preserving Hawaiian culture. The mesmerizing performance captivates the audience with the important theme reflected in the show’s title: to remember one’s ancestors and heritage, and to perpetuate and protect one’s native culture.

The MACC is pleased to present the reconstruction of Ho‘oulu I Ka Na‘auao, which was last presented in 2003 in Tokyo, Japan, to sold-out crowds. The program was first staged at New York City’s historic Carnegie Hall in June 2000 to critical acclaim, and presented to audiences at Honolulu’s NBC Concert Hall in September 2000 and at The MACC in November 2001. Now back at The MACC seven years later, Ho‘oulu I Ka Na‘auao will once again wow the Maui audience with riveting stories, beautiful movement and thought-provoking presentation from the award-winning kumu hula and halau. Don’t miss out on this wonderful only-on-Maui program—once noted by The Village Voice as “more compelling than Riverdance.”

Tickets are $12, $25 and $40 (half-price for kids 12 and under), with a discount available to MACC annual donors. Visit The MACC Box Office or call 242-SHOW (7469) to charge by phone Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For patron convenience 24 hours a day, purchase tickets online at www.mauiarts.org.