NS+ PRESENTS ‘HONORING THE RESILIENCE OF HAWAI’I’ FEATURING VICKY HOLT TAKAMINE & PUA ALI’I ILIMA O NUIOKA WITH THE MEGA LAB
Hula, chanting, and music of Hawai‘i and a deep dive into the aquatic realm will be on offer during this special NationalSawdust+ evening featuring Kumu Vicky Holt Takamine and her NYC-based hālau, Pua Ali’i Ilima O Nuioka, with a special appearance by Native Hawaiian surfer, fisherman, and coral reef scientist Crispin Nakoa of the new, Hilo-based MEGA lab. Takamine, a renowned kumu hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance) and founder of the PA’I Foundation, has long been a powerful advocate for social justice issues, the protection of native Hawaiian rights and practices, and the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i. Nakoa shares his cultural connection to the islands’ marine ecosystem and the critical conservation efforts of the MEGA lab, a next-generation research facility and global consortium of scientists, athletes, artists, and storytellers committed to using science to create innovative solutions to protect our oceans.
This event is part of For Nature, three NS+ programs exploring the natural world with artists and musicians, scientists, and activists working to preserve and restore the environment. Curated by Elena Park, the events will spotlight works connected to ocean, land, and the animal kingdom; native and indigenous wisdom; and recent research and ways forward. For Nature is made possible by the generous support of Kathryn and Emmanuel Morlet and the Westcustogo Foundation.
Vicky Holt Takamine is the founder and kumu hula (master teacher) of Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima, a school of traditional Hawaiian dance with classes on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and New York City. She graduated through the ‘ūniki rituals of hula from Maiki Aiu Lake, received her BA and MA from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and for more than 30 years was a lecturer of hula at UH Mānoa Music Department and Leeward Community College. Vicky is well-respected throughout the Hawaiian community for her cultural expertise and advocacy work on behalf of Hawaiians, their cultural traditions, and the protection and preservation of the cultural and natural resources of Hawai‘i. In 1997, she coordinated a massive demonstration of Hawaiian cultural practitioners to oppose legislation that would severely restrict native Hawaiian cultural practices. Since then, she has coordinated demonstrations, rallies and marches calling for social, economic and environmental justice for native Hawaiians. Vicky co-founded ‘Īlio‘ulaokalani, a coalition of traditional practitioners committed to protecting their Hawaiian customs and traditions.
Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima O Nuioka is the NYC branch of the hālau hula (school of traditional Hawaiian dance) founded by Vicky Holt Takamine in 1977. The hālau was named by Kumu Vicky’s kumu hula, Maiki Aiu Lake, and means the “Royal ‘Ilima Blossom,” which alludes to her graduation from Maiki’s Papa ‘Ilima (the ‘ilima class) and her ancestry of Hawaiian royalty. The hālau participates in cultural festivals and events throughout Hawaii, nationally, and internationally. Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima provides traditional hula training for keiki (children), teens, and adults on an invitational basis, as well as providing introductory hula instruction for those who are looking for a more casual, beginner-level class. Haumāna (students) attend weekly classes.
ABOUT NATIONALSAWDUST+
Often topical and always imaginative, NationalSawdust+ is a lively performance and conversation series in which artists and thinkers share their passion for music and explore timely ideas, making surprising connections. Since National Sawdust’s inception, NS+ has been a home for intimate stories and unexpected artmaking, blurring boundaries between genres and disciplines.
NS+ taps luminaries from theater, film and visual art, literature, science and beyond, to create insightful programs that reflect their own interests. Guests have included Jad Abumrad, Ava DuVernay, Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Min-Jin Lee, Yo-Yo Ma, Nico Muhly, Carl Hancock Rux, Patti Smith, esperanza spalding, Carrie Mae Weems, Marina Abramovic + Laurie Anderson, and Caroline Shaw + Anthony Roth Costanzo + Gandini Juggling. Jeff Tang is consulting producer for the series.
