Pohaku

Sharing Hawaii’s history of colonization, ensuing outward migration, and the direct effect these events had on the choreographer’s family, Pōhaku incorporates Hawaiian chant, hula, contemporary dance, and storytelling to explore compelling universal themes in the story of Hawaii’s native people, including land loss and fractured identity. In Pōhaku Morgan weaves together modern dance, hula, and storytelling with the work of his collaborators: live music by electric cellist Wytold, traditional Hawaiian chant and percussion by Kumu Hula Elsie Kaleihulukea Ryder, video and projection design by Sareen Hairabedian, lighting by Brian S. Allard, and hand made scenery (kapa cloth) by Dalani Tanahy.

https://www.christopherkmorgan.com/pohaku

Pōhaku was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Concept, Text, Choreography & Performance Christopher K. Morgan

Traditional Hawaiian Chant & Percussion Performance Elsie Kaleihulukea Ryder

Electric Cello Performance Wytold

Kumulipo and Hula Kolani Choreography Elsie Kaleihulukea Ryder

Aia Moloka’i Choreography Traditional 12th Century Moloka’i Hula

Electric Cello Arrangements, Original Compositions & Ambient Sound Support Wytold

Lighting & Technical Direction Brian S. Allard

Projection Design & Film Documentation Sareen Hairabedian

Rehearsal Direction Tiffanie Carson

Handmade Kapa Cloth Dalani Tanahy Hula,

Hawaiian Language and Cultural Advisors Elsie Kaleihulukea Ryder, Mel Enos