This project brings together students from Kapiʻolani Community College and Kaimukī High School to watch plays together at Honolulu's Kumu Kahua Theater, which has been “creating, supporting, and showcasing original works of theater specifically related to our geographical region and the cultures represented here" since its inception in 1971. Through a series of workshops (some facilitated by theater educators and performers), students engage in dialogue about their communities based on the plays’ themes and later present their insights in public forums.
Students discuss the complexities of identity through the lens of a queer couple coming out to their family as they reckon with a messy past. Playwright Kiki Rivera, in excerpts from a radio intervie…
Students and Kumu Kahua Artistic Director Harry Wong III discuss the eerie presence of the ghost in the play as a symbol for lost relationships.
Dana and Jason from Kapiʻolani CC and Michelle from Kaimuki HS discuss where anger comes from and strategies for addressing one of the most difficult human emotions.
Alex and Bill, the teachers from Kapi'olani CC and Kaimuki HS, respectively, coordinating the Diversity Fellowship project discuss their impressions of the play and students' responses.
Mazie and Kimi from Kapi'olani CC and Kristen from Kaimuki HS discuss symbolic elements in the play and perform a scene with analysis.
Jordan from Kapi'olani CC & Noel from Kaimuki HS discuss themes of cultural identity in the play and perform a scene with analysis.