Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 9, 1 September 2016 — Onipaʻa brings overthrow to life [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Onipaʻa brings overthrow to life

By Meredith Desha Enos For Native Hawaiian actor Charles Timtim, "Mai Poina: The Overthrow" is more than just a play. "It's a good reminder for me, every year, of what actually happened during the four days leading up to the overthrow," he says. "And then I get a ehanee to give back to the community, sharing with others. "Having it on the grounds of 'Iolani Palaee, being able to point down the street, where an event took plaee, it really makes it eome alive for people." Timtim is one actor in "Mai Poina," a unique theatrical event drawn from the pages of Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl's 1993 pageant as part of the 100-year observance of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. "Mai poina" means "Don't forget," and that is exactly

what the play seeks to do - revive and remind people of these pivotal events in Hawaiian history. For this walking tour, audience

members visit different stations around 'Iolani Palaee grounds, where different actors in period costume describe their characters'

perspective. Timtimplays a Hawaiian legislator; in addition, there are Japanese plantation workers, a Greek laborer, a Chinese businessman, and more - all based on archival research and testimony. "One amazing thing I learned through doing 'Mai Poina' is how mueh support the Queen had," Timtim said. "It really gives the greater scope of what happened and how it happened." "Mai Poina" is also part of the 10th Annual 'Onipa'a Celebration on Sunday, September 4, an all-day

event on the lawn of 'Iolani Palaee. This event features hula, oli and mele from award-winning hālau, an interfaith ceremony, live music and two theatrical events: "Mai Poina" and "Ka Lei Maile Ali'i - The Queen's Women," whieh reenacts a meeting in Hilo in 1897 encouraging Hawaiian citizens to sign anti-annexation petitions. After the tour, distinguished Native Hawaiian scholars will lead discussions and answer questions. Space is limited and reservations are suggested. Visit www.hawaii ponoi.info. "Mai Poina" is co-sponsored by the Kamehameha Schools, Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Friends of the 'Iolani Palaee. Other performances are Sept. 5, 10 and 11, starting at 4 p.m. On Sept. 11, chanting will conclude the 5 p.m. performance. "Mai Poina" was initiated by the Hawai'i Pono'I Coalition, a hui of Native Hawaiian organizations, and has been presented annually since 2009. ■

2016 'ūnipa'a Celebration Schedule of Events Sunday, September 4 Entertainment > lOa.m. to3:30 p.m. • Jerry Santos, with Kamuela Kimokeo, memberof Hi'ikua and lecturerat Windward Community College. • Keauhou (2008, Ka Himeni Ana winners) • Ku'uipo Kumukahi, along with the Hawaiian Hall of Fame Serenader's and Hālau Hawai'i • lnterfaith service > Noon • "Ka Lei Maile Ali'i -The Queen's Women"

> 1:00 p.m. • Plaee: Kana'ina Buiding (adjacent to 'lolani Palaee) • Tribute to Lili'uokalani through chant byKumu Kawika Mersberg and his haumāna from Hālau Kū Mana charter school > 3:30 p.m. • Plaee: Steps of 'lolani Palaee • "Mai Poina: The 0verthrow" walkingtour > 4:00 p.m.; 4:20 p.m.; 4:40 p.m.; 5:00 p.m. • 'lolani Palaee grounds • Space is limited; reservations are suggested

NĀHANANA EVENTS

Actors bring Hawaiian history to life. - Photo: Courtesy