What a feat it is to create and premiere a new evening length dance production. We took the modern mo’olelo of the Walking Rocks as our inspiration. A magical and significant event that took place on Mauna Kea in response to the tremendous kahea of all the kia’i. The production is a contemporary Polynesian, movement-based, inter-disciplinary work based on themes of connectedness, modern application of ancient wisdom, and being a walking rock of power. It includes a mixture of traditional Moanan based movement and contemporary choreographic practice, guests artists, drumming, music, activism, and poetry.

Walking Rocks (Premiere)

August 24 - 25, 2024

LA MAMA Ellen Stuart Theater

Program Information

Walking Rocks is a contemporary Polyensian exploration in themes of ancientness and connectedness through various representations of hooulu involving pohaku, directly and or indirectly, and how they may apply to us as modern day ancestors.

Guest performers include: Aruho’ia Biret, Poerani Germain, Ataahua Papa, and Noa Teiva.

Te Ao Mana

Anthony Aiu, Emily Callejo, Lehuanani DeFranco, Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta, Kaina Quenga, Mariette Strauss

Accompaniment by: Last Voices, Taimane Gardner, Moeterauri’i Tirao, Mahealani Uchiyama, Teiva Viaris, Jean-Marie Biret, and Te Vaka

Choreography by: Anthony Aiu

Ho’ohokukalani

Haruru

Ma Ka Ulana Hilo

Te Ote’a Vahine Te Rere O Te Manu Iwa

A Hani Mai Na - Noari’i Teiva (Guest Performance)

Aparima Vahine Tatau Tupuna

ʻO Ka Pōʻino