Ulalena, Myth Magic and MauiRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/shows/ulalena/ulalena.html
Astounding, Authentic, Breathtaking and Entertaining are only a few of words one can attribute to fantastic show, Ulalena, staged before mesmerized audiences in new state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar Maui Myth and Magic Theatre in Lahaina.
Cove Entertainment and Arra-Maui have brought together over 20 professional performers in presentation of an extravaganza that tells story of Hawaiian Islands, from its mythical creation, arrival of first Polynesians, and to modern cultural renaissance through ancient chants, hula, song and drama, traditional music, acrobatics, and dance.
The power of this production is that it is both universal and intimate with audience feeling involved throughout performance. It is born from a mythology populated by beings larger than life representing a natural landscape alive with volcanoes, vast oceans, and primeval rainforests.
The first scene of Kumulipo, or Hawaiian creation chant, sets theme for endless cycles of life. A lone man on a spiritual quest is seen carrying a ka`ai (woven burial basket used to hold bones of ancient ruling chiefs) to an unknown destination, and taro, one of food and plant staples of Hawaiian Islands, emerges out of ground, dancing for first breath of life.
Scene two . . .
The ocean provides way for first immigrants from Tahiti. Navigating by stars, they pursue their vision of Pele, Volcano Goddess, and her brother Kamohoali`i, Shark God. The demigod Maui pulls Islands from depths of ocean. This was a stunning and breath-taking scene which depicted Polynesians' ocean voyage; cast members move through audience, holding replicas of colorful sea creatures and angelfish at end of long sticks, creating impression that audience were underwater, swimming with fish.
Scene three . . .
The mythical forest where a young Ali`i (Hawaiian royalty) has a vision od Mo`o (Guardian spirit in form of a lizard) who inhabits a waterfall. The trees in rainforest suddenly come to life, manifesting their mana, or life force; young men and women run playfully among them. The Gods reflect upon their passions and desires while half hog, Kamapua`a pursues his passionate love for Pele.