The Pa‘akai We Bring

Part of the Wellmark Family Series

This original production introduces audiences to Native Hawaiian ideas of balance and healing by exploring our relationship to pa‘akai (salt).  This original production introduces young audiences to the Native Hawaiian relationship to pa‘akai (salt).  Traditionally, pa‘akai is food, medicine, a sacrament and a treasured gift.  The play follows a family with multiple generations of salt farmers on the island of Kauai, mixing in ancient stories, hula, live music, original songs and plenty of audiences participation into a tasty potluck of performance, joyously served up with aloha.

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.

This project was awarded the NEFA Theatre Project Creation Grant in 2021 and premiered in the Fall 2022.