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6 | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 BIG ISLAND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE | WEST HAWAII TODAY Kahilu Theatre opens 36th season with Kapa The knowledge within “We teach the children, ‘This knowledge is already in you, we are just helping you to remember.’” These are the words of Dalani Tanahy, a longtime practitioner of the art of Hawaiian kapa. Over the past several decades, kapa practitioners have strived to preserve and perpetuate this native art form. This fall Kahilu Theatre presents Kapa Kahilu, an exhibit of original works by acclaimed artists. The curated pieces will be on display in the theater’s galleries Thursday through Nov. 3. “It’s the first exhibit of its kind on this scale,” said Deborah Goodwin, executive director of Kahilu Theatre. “There are large pieces that will be in both of the galleries. It’s something that is rarely seen in one place.” The exhibit features some of today’s most renowned kapa makers across the state, and is a unique opportunity to experience the ancient Hawaiian art form of creating clothing made from plant fibers. Made from the fibrous inner bark of the wauke, kapa cloth is often adorned with intricate designs and colored with dyes created from native plants. The cloth was used primarily for clothing, blankets and religious rituals. “This art form is experiencing so much interest and enthusiasm and we have these wonderful kapa makers here living on our island,” said Goodwin. “Kapa was a key cultural practice that almost disappeared, yet has recently been reborn across the state by men and women who are learning the art form and adding their own expressions. It’s a very vibrant form of expression.” The exhibit honors well known kapa artist Marie McDonald, who is instrumental in preserving and perpetuating the art form. A Waimea resident, three of McDonald’s pieces are included in the exhibit along with other featured artists, Moana Eisele, Roen Hufford, Dalani Tanahy, Sabra Kauka, Verna Takashima, Bernice Akamine, Solomon Aipo, Lisa Schattenburg Raymond and Denby Freeland-Cole. The exhibit opens with a free public reception on Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. There will be live music by Hoku Pa’a, pupus, libations and a screening of the documentary Ka Hana Kapa starting at 6 p.m. A symposium and Q&A session with the artists and scholars takes place Sept. 16 from 4-6 p.m. for those interested in learning more about kapa. On Sept. 17 at 4 p.m., Halau O Kekuhi performs the opening show of Kahilu’s 36th season and will wear traditional kapa pa’u and malo garments. Kapa making demonstrations are held on select Saturdays during the exhibit, including Sept. 17 and Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It’s a way to feel connected to something old, yet with new vitality,” said Goodwin. The Kahilu Galleries are free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and during all performances. Info: www.kahilutheatre. org, 885-6868. ■ BY KAREN ROSE SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY Verna Takashime Kapa Pa’u. COURTESY PHOTO


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