Hō`ike 2014

Time: October 1819

Place: Kona and Kohala Districts

Cast of Characters

KamehamehaKa`iana—Kauaʻi aliʻi. Once top lieutenant to Kamehameha now enemy.Kekupuohi—Ka`iana’s wifeManono—wife of KekuaokalaniKekuaokalani—defender of the godsHoloialena—lieutenant and advisor to KekuaokalaniKuaiwa—Another lieutenant and advisor to KekuaokalaniLiholiho—Kamehameha IIKalanimoku—Top advisor and general of Liholihoʻs armyKeopuolani—Queen motherKa`ahumanu—chief counselorKekuaipiʻia—sister of KaʻahumanuHewahewa—high priest of Hawai`iHoapili—guardian of the princess NahienaenaNaihe—counselor and oratorKekuanao`a—treasurer of the KingdomKapihe—commander of the national vesselsLa`anui—a companion of the kingUlumaheihei—uncle to Kekuaokalani

Monday, August 5, 2013--draft

Hō`ike 2014

Libretto Hō`ike 2014

Act IPROLOGUE

SCENE: BATTLE OF O`AHU 1795. CHARGE UP NU`UANU.

AT RISE: GUNFIRE. SMOKE. THE WARRIORS OF KA`IANA ENTER IN RETREAT. KA`IANA CALLS TO RALLY THEM INTO A FINAL STAND.

KA`IANABrothers hear me,‘Ewa is a long way offKulaokahu`a is a dry plain;But here at Nu`uanu, longhouse of the windThe malo snatching wind Adorned in the Wa`ahila rain.Let our feet grow rootsLet our spears stand firmLet our voices echo the ages.Here we give no ground.Here the ground shrinks.Here the ground bleeds.Here we drink the water of `Īao.

(KAMEHAMEHA’S FORCES ENTER AND ENGAGE KA`IANA’S FORCES IN A BATTLE DEPICTED BY A HULA. KA`IANA’S WARRIORS BEGIN TO GAIN GROUND AND AS THE KAMEHAMEHA WARRIORS BEGIN THEIR RETREAT A FEMALE RIFLE COMPANY ENTERS AND FIRES UPON KA`IANA`S FORCES PUSHING THEM BACK UP THE PALI. AVOLLEY OF FIRE FELLS KA`IANA AND KEKUPUOHI RUNS TO HIM. THE FIGHTING CEASES. SHE RESTS HIS HEAD ON HER LAP AND CHANTS.)

KEKUPUOHIAloha ‘oe, e ku`u ali`i Love to you, my ali`i,Aloha nō ho`i ka luhi a kā Love for all that we have borne

together,A aloha nō ho`i ʻoe, Love to you,

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E ku`u hoapili o nā wahi My companion of many places.

lehulehu.`A`ole nō ho`i he wā It wonʻt be longA pau nā moku i ka na`i `ia Until these islands are conqueredE ka hānai a kāua, By our hānai,Me kāua pū nō ho`i Our very own hānai;Mokuhia ihola ke aloha Our loving intimacy can be no

makamaka ma waena ou moreme a`u,

Aloha nō ho`i wau ko hoa Love to you from your companion,

pili, `o ka wahine, your wife,A hoa `ōhumuhumu nō ho`i Your companion to whom you

unburdened yourself,O ka pō anu me ke ko`eko`e In the cold and chilly nights,Auwē nō ho`i ku`u ali`i, Alas my beloved chief,Hele loa ē! You have departed!

(THE BATTLE RESUMES AND KAʻIANA`S FORCES RETREAT AND ARE FORCED OVER THE PALI. BY THE RIFLE COMPANY AND THE USE OF THE POLOLŪ. THIS CAN BE DEPICTED THROUGH HULA OR STAGING AND WILL CLIMAX IN THE FEMALE RIFLE COMPANY IN TABLEAU.)

END PROLOGUE

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SCENE ONE

SETTING: KEKUAOKALANI’S COMPOUND AT KAWAIHAE.

AT RISE: SCENE CONTINUES FROM PROLOGUE WITH MANONO STEPPING OUT OF TABLEAU. THE PREVIOUS HAS BEEN HER DREAM WHICH SHE HAS BEEN HAVING SINCE THE DEATH OF KAMEHAMEHA. THE FOLLOWING CAN EITHER BE SANG OR CHANTED OR BOTH.

MANONOWhat has it the night revealed?What is it the gods are telling me?The battle fog never lets me breath.My shoulder aches from the recoil.The barrel burns in my hand.The explosions toll in my dreams.The screams of the fallen calling to me.Why did we die?My hands red with their deaths.When will rest come to them?When will rest come to me?

(KEKUAOKALANI ENTERS FOLLOWED BY HOLOIALENA KUAIWA)

HOLOIALENAI cannot advise to go to Kailua.

KUAIWAThe ungodly chiefs of old who lost their lands never sinned like this.

HOLOIALENAThe chief who prays to the god, he is the chief who will hold the rule.

KEKUAOKALANIThe young king will need support and Hewahewa will not act against the gods if I am there.

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KUAIWAHewahewa has already assented to break ʻai kapu.

KEKUAOKALANIHe will think different if I am present.

MANONOMy husband. What is it you talk about?

KEKUAOKALANIDearest we leave for Kailua tomorrow. We are attending a feast in honor of the new king.

KUAIWAThey plan to do away with the ʻai kapu.

HOLOIALENAAnd in so doing our social...

KUAIWAPolitical...

HOLOIALENA...and religious system.

MANONOOur way of life.

HOLOIALENAOur gods...

MANONOOur ancestors...

KUAIWA...yes.

MANONO(TO KEKUAOKALANI)

This canʻt be. And you go to this feast and give it voice?

KEKUAOKALANINo...

HOLOIALENA

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When he should remain here in defiance.

KEKUAOKALANIEnough.

KUAIWAA center to rally around.

KEKUAOKALANIEnough.

HOLOIALENAA post to support our ancestorsʻ legacy.

KUAIWAYou were given the god of ultimate power; and you go to the feast of his death?

KEKUAOKALANII go to defend the gods.

HOLOIALENAThe people will not see it that way.

KUAIWAThis is your chance like the great ʻUmi and Kalani before us who gave you this responsibility.

HOLOIALENANow is your chance to seize it.

KUAIWAHold on to it.

HOLOIALENAThe king knows no better. He will listen to that shark from Maui.

KUAIWAHe carries her bundle. Listen to the gods.

KEKUAOKALANIThat is what I am doing.

HOLOIALENAHear what they tell you.

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KUAIWARemain and stand firm.

HOLOIALENARemain and stand firm.

KEKUAOKALANIEnough.

KUAIWA/HOLOAILENARemain and stand firm.

KEKUAOKALANII said, enough. I do the will of the gods. Our presence at the feast will be force enough to make Liholiho hold fast and firm to the true beliefs. Hewahewa will follow and the engorger will be made powerless.

HOLOAILENAYou are invited to witness the fall of the gods and who believe may be sacrificed at the same altar.

KEKUAOKALANIThat is why I bring you.

MANONO(TO HOLOAILENA AND KUAIWA)

Gentlemen. My husband stands in the light of the gods and fears not because he does. If you would excuse us, I would like to speak with him alone.

HOLOAILENA/KUAIWAYes.

(HOLOAILENA AND KUAIWA EXIT).

MANONO (CONT`D)Their words do not worry you?

KEKUAOKALANIThey are like the ʻalae crying in the nightWith the passing of the Great One Many are the fingers in the poi bowlThe cry of the `elepaio asking for fishIt is the sickness for not observing the tabufor not standing firm in this night of uncertainity

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The ancestors for torchesThe gods our stars.

MANONOThe call of the koa`e far out to seaSays that you must be the steersmanMy husband, my love.For this stormy dayThe ʻelepaio has bruised the hullThe canoe swamped by the billows from KailuaWe will bail togetherThe gods defend usWe will bail togetherAnd set the bow straight No matter the rough seaNo canoe will remain on landAll canoes will followThe skilled steersman through the stormy seaI will paddle alongside Me and you togetherOne strokeOne breathOur victory

[HERE POSSIBLY THIS INTERCHANGE DEVELOPS INTO A DUET WHERE KEKUAOKALANI LETS MANONO KNOW SHE CANNOT ACCOMPANY HIM TO KAILUA DUE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES: HOW WOULD IT LOOK IF HE BROUGHT HIS WIFE TO A GATHERING TO MAINTAIN SEPARATION OF WOMEN AND MEN. SHE OF COURSE IS DISAPPOINTED AND HE ASSURES ITʻS FOR THE BEST AND THEY SWEAR THEIR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.]

(SHE TURNS FROM HIM)

KEKUAOKALANIDo not fade my blossom in this wind of disappointment.

MANONO

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There is something else.

KEKUAOKALANIWhat is it?

MANONOThere have been dreams. Clouds ascending to the heavens.

KEKUAOKALANIIf it be rain clouds then that is a good sign. A new beginning. The washing away of filth.

MANONOIt is of Kaʻiana at Puʻiwa. I see him fall and Kekupuohi go to his side.

(HERE POSSIBLY A REPRISE OF KEKUPUOHIʻS CHANT WITH THE WARRIORS IN TABLEAU.)

KEKUAOKALANIThink not of this, but on the triumph of the god.

MANONOHer lament haunts me. Ever since that time it has haunted me.

KEKUAOKALANIIt is a sign of what we must do where it must end and it will begin with my travelling to Kailua. I will have a canoe take you to Kaʻawaloa. Wait for me there.

(AS THE LIGHTS FADE A REPRISE OF THEIR DUET).

END SCENE ONE

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SCENE TWO

SETTING: KAILUA. THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON.

AT RISE: KAʻAHUMANU, HEWAHEWA, KEOPUOLANI, KALANIMOKU AND ATTENDANTS ARE DISCOVERED ON STAGE PREPARING FOR THE FEAST. KAʻAHUMANU IS EATING. NAIHE ENTERS AND PROSTRATES HIMSELF TO THE ALIʻI.

KAʻAHUMANU(TO NAIHE)

Tut. Tut. Did you not get the memo. There shall be no more of that.

NAIHE(PICKING HIMSELF UP)

Trying to keep up appearances.

KAʻAHUMANU(MUNCHING ON HER LEG O` MUTTON)

I know itʻs hard to break old habits, but we all have to make sacrifices.

KEOPUOLANI(ADMIRING NAIHE)

I will miss some of the old ways.

KAʻAHUMANUYes, but there are so many benefits to the new.

Pau ka ʻAi KapuKAʻAHUMANU (CONTʻD)

To partake of the meat white or dark of the pork.Of the pork.

KEOPUOLANI

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Of the pork. Not to mention all the creamy goodness of the young coconut without the guilt and the fuss.

KALANIMOKUThe imu`s steaming. The imu`s steaming.The imu`s steaming.

KAʻAHUMANUI will take some banana with my shark and turtle if you please. If you please.

KEOPUOLANIIf you please, I will have the same but with a squeeze and a tease. And a tease.

KALANIMOKUThe imu`s steamingThe imu`s steamingThe imu`s steaming

HEWAHEWAWhat do we do if the king doesnʻt show?

KAʻAHUMANUFeast.

KEOPUOLANIDance.

KAʻAHUMANU/KEOPUOLANIAnd eat freely. Eat freely.

KALANIMOKUDone is the pain of the man doing imu and pounding poi. And pounding poi.

KAʻAHUMANUSame for the woman now; men can make their clothes and thatch their mats. And thatch their mats.

KEOPUOLANIPau ka ʻai kapu. Pau ka ʻai kapu.Pau ka ʻai kapu.

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HEWAHEWABut then what do we do with Kāne, Kanaloa, Lono, and Kū? Pele too?

NAIHEPele too?

KAʻAHUMANU/KEOPULANIThe old ways are over.The old ways are over.The old ways are over.

KAʻAHUMANU

I will take some banana with my shark and turtle if you please. If you please.

KEOPUOLANIIf you please, I will have the same but with a squeeze and a tease. And a tease.

HEWAHEWAWhat do we do if the king doesnʻt show?

KAʻAHUMANUFeast.

KEOPUOLANIDance.

KAʻAHUMANU/KEOPUOLANIAnd eat freely. Eat freely.

ALLPau ka ʻai kapu. Pau ka ʻai kapu.Pau ka ʻai kapu.

Pau ka ʻai kapu. Pau ka ʻai kapu.Pau ka ʻai kapu.ʻAi kapu.

(HULA)

KAʻAHUMANU(TO HEWAHEWA)

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Liholiho will show but wonʻt have the courage ʻcause heʻs young.

KEOPUOLANIAnd his dad just died.His dad just died.

KAʻAHUMANUSo youʻll have to take the lead and declare all the gods as defunct.

KEOPULANIAnd out of luck. Out of luck.

ALLPau ka ʻai kapu. Pau ka ʻai kapu.Pau ka ʻai kapu.

HEWAHEWAWhat of the other chiefs? Like the one who has the god. Will he agree? Will he agree?

KALANIMOKULeave that to me.

KAʻAHUMANUPull your pola tighter priest, your guts are exposed. Your guts exposed.

KALANIMOKUAre hanging out.

ALLPau ka ʻai kapu. Pau ka ʻai kapu.Pau ka ʻai kapu.ʻAi kapu.

(SONGʻS END)

KAʻAHUMANUNaihe. Take my canoe, find the young king, and return him here. We can’t wait any longer.

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NAIHEYes. I nearly forgot. Kekuaokalani has been sighted.

HEWAHEWAWhere?

NAIHENear Keahole.

KALANIMOKUDid he have warriors with him?

NAIHENo. Just his entourage.

KAʻAHUMANUHe wouldn’t dare.

HEWAHEWAHe’ll be here soon.

KAʻAHUMANUAll the more reason to begin the feast.

(TO NAIHE)

Fetch the king here. Waste no time.

NAIHEYes.

(NAIHE EXITS. LIGHTS FADE AS PREPARATIONS CONTINUE.)

END SCENE TWO

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SCENE THREE

SETTING: A FEW HOURS LATER. LIHOLIHO’S CANOE OFF THE COAST OF KIHOLO.

AT RISE: LIHOLIHO AND HIS ATTENDANTS LIBATING. A HULA OPENS THE SCENE. AFTER THE HULA, LIHOLIHO POURS A BOTTLE OF GIN INTO THE SEA.

LIHOLIHOLet us make drunk the water gods. Here, Kuala, is a taste for you; and here, Ukanipo, is your share.

LAʻANUILet us hope the gods may not be angered by the unusual sacrifice.

LIHOLIHOThen you have not yet lost faith in the gods, Laʻanui?

LAʻANUINo.

It’s Better to WanderLIHOLIHO

If we sin, will the sun set today?If we sin?If we sin?

At Kumukahi will it puka again?If we sin?If we sin?

LIHOLIHO (CONT’D)Forsake the gods and,Will really our lives end?

Remember Hua, bones bared and sun bleached?Shall we sin?Shall we sin?

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Who here wants a fish hook made out of their shin?Shall we sin?Shall we sin?

No king longs for that fate,For me it’s better that I wait. Wait.

Itʻs better to wander,And best not to squanderAll of our treasuresOf times gone by.

Why be so decisiveWhen so much relies onSomething as simpleAs who eats with whom?

But our power comes from our gods.Shall we sin?Shall we sin?

When theyʻre gone,Will the bones really live?Shall we sin?Shall we sin?

No king longs for that fate,For me it’s better that I wait. Wait.

LIHOLIHO (CONT’D)Itʻs better to wander,And best not to squanderAll of our treasuresOf times gone by.

Why be so decisiveWhen so much relies onSomething as simple...

Itʻs better to wander,And best not to squanderAll of our treasuresOf times gone by.

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Why be so decisiveWhen so much relies onSomething as simple...As the ʻai kapu?

(AFTER THE SONG NAIHE ENTERS SOAKED AND STANDING.)

LAʻANUIHave you forgotten whom you stand before?

NAIHE(DROPPING IN PROSTRATE POSITION)

Forgive me. I am not keeping score at home.

LIHOLIHOIt is well. Deliver your message.

NAIHEYour presence is requested immediately by the queen mother and kuhina nui at Kailua.

LIHOLIHOI am presently on my way. Is there a urgency?

NAIHEIt is not mine to say, but your esteemed cousin approaches from the north?

LIHOLIHOKekuaokalani.

NAIHEThe same.

LIHOLIHOMy mother and the...the kuhina nui?

NAIHEYes.

LIHOLIHOWe will be there at sunset.

NAIHEI will relay the message.

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(NAIHE EXITS.)

LIHOLIHOMake full the sail. Paddles to dig deep. I want to get there before the sun sets.

(PADDLERS SET FORTH. LIGHTS FADE.)

END SCENE THREE

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SCENE FOUR

SETTING: KAILUA. SUNSET. A FEAST SET WITH TWO TABLES: ONE FOR KĀNE THE OTHER FOR WĀHINE.

AT RISE: FESTIVE ACTIVITY PRESENT. KALANIMOKU SPEAKS WITH KAʻAHUMANU.

KALANIMOKUHe will not show. He is his fatherʻs seed but not his flower.

KAʻAHUMANURight. I understand. Stop with all the flowery, analagous references. Just say what’s on your mind.

KALANIMOKUReally?

KAʻAHUMANUDo I have to tighten your malo?

KALANIMOKULiholiho is a wimp. He wonʻt show. What will we do now?

KAʻAHUMANUObviously you are suffering from overthinking. Chew some more ʻawa. Relax. Heʻll be here.

(HEWAHEWA ENTERS.)

HEWAHEWAThe king is not here. There is nothing we can do unless he appears.

KAʻAHUMANUThat is obvious.

KALANIMOKUSeriously though. What if he doesnʻt show?

KAʻAHUMANU

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Do you know how to relax?

KALANIMOKUYes. Of course.

KAʻAHUMANUThen enjoy yourself.

(TO HEWAHEWA)And you, descendant of Paʻao, I will back you.

HEWAHEWAYet if his majesty doesn’t show...

KAʻAHUMANUDo I have to prove to you the power of my word?

(THE FESIVITY CEASES. LIHOLIHO ENTERS WITH ENTOURAGE. THERE IS A PAUSE AMONG THE PRESENT, BUT THEN EVERYONE DROPS TO A PROSTRATE POSITION. KAʻAHUMANU APPROACHES HIM.)

KAʻAHUMANU (CONT’D)Your majesty. What a surprise. We have a place for you here.

(SHE INDICATES A PLACE AT THE WOMENʻS TABLE. HE HESISTATES.)

LIHOLIHOMy esteemed guardian. I appreciate you saving me a place. First, though, I would like to greet the guests.

KAʻAHUMANUOf course.

(ASIDE TO LIHOLIHO ONLY)If you have the courage of your father, what a great day for Hawaiʻi this will be.

Our Race to Carry OnLIHOLIHO

What little do I know of being king; yet,So much anticipation on your face.If I take a nibble in the wrong chair...Where will lie our peopleʻs fate?

If I speak to you, but do not eat,

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we are safe another dayfrom our godsʻ fate.Yet, I sit right here and dare to drinkHow low will we fall,And what will the gods truly think?

A step beyond my reach,My fatherʻs charge I risk to breach.To free us from our fearsIs all I want from sitting here.

Still this seat thereʻs no comfort in...No warmth, no welcome found.We peer into the mist,I find...No fear, but limbless boundOur race to carry on.

(END SONG)

KAʻAHUMANULimbless indeed and barren the men now found; since your king has passed to the other realm.

HEWAHEWA(STANDING)

May we eat in peace and give thanks to the one and only God of all!

(LIHOLIHO CROSSES TO THE WOMENʻS TABLE AND SEATS HIMSELF NEXT TO HIS MOTHER, KEOPUOLANI. WITH ALL EYES ON HIM HE BEGINS TO EAT. THERE IS A REACTION OF SHOCK AND RELIEF. WHISPERS OF “THE KAPU IS BROKEN,” GROWS LOUDER AND SEGUES INTO A HULA. AT HULAʻS END, HEWAHEWA RISES.)

HEWAHEWA(TO LIHOLIHO)

A bold beginning we have made. Let not the gods and temples survive this death of the kapu!

LIHOLIHOThen let them perish with it. Our words have flown to test the peace. A smile upon our face shall feast.

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(A REPRISE OF THE HULA ENSUES. HEWAHEWA RISES WITH A TORCH AND SETS THE IDOL KŪ AFLAME. AT FIRST HESITATION, THEN THE DANCERS BEGIN TO DESECRATE AND DESTROY THE IDOLS PRESENT. SILENCE AS KEKUAOKALANI MĀ ENTER.)

KEKUAOKALANIThe tusks are cleaned as eyes can see.

(TO LIHOLIHO)

We agreed you would wait.

LIHOLIHOThe tide receded and the ʻIwa sounded.

KEKUAOKALANIThe ʻIwa or the ʻawa? Or the puaʻa?

KAʻAHUMANU(STANDING)

ʻAwa.

(SHE OFFERS HIM A DRINK)

A Haole I’ll Never BeKEKUAOKALANI

Lie our gods and our iwi within themThereʻs no place where we can hide.Where are our homes and our families to come from?A haole god and with haoles we’ll soon reside.

A haole Iʻll never be.A portable god to Iʻll never succumbNo...

Theyʻre my gods and my fathers’ before meWithout them what have we become?To wear silk and wool and cottonLeave the wauke cloth for me

A haole Iʻll never be.A portable god to Iʻll never succumbNo...

Eat as you want but never to follow

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Our kupuna down their hallowed roadYou have chosen a path that will take youTo a place youʻll never return

A haole Iʻll never be.A portable god to Iʻll never succumbNo...

(MUSICAL INTERLUDE AS CERTAIN IDOLS ARE SALVAGED AND COLLECTED BY KEKUAOKALANI AND HIS MEN.)

KEKUAOKALANI (CONT’D)Bring your spears and our gods if you want toNe’er alive will I know of youTo Kealakeakua I’m agoingThere to worship as my kūpuna do.

A haole Iʻll never be.A portable god to Iʻll never succumbNo...

(KEKUAOKALANI MĀ EXIT. THE REST REMAIN IN TABLEAU. MANONO ENTERS IN A CANOE VIEWING THE DEBACLE FROM THE SEA. THERE IS A REPRISE OF HER ARIA FROM SCENE 1. FADE TO BLACK.)

END ACT ONE

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ACT TWO

SCENE ONE

SETTING: A MONTH LATER. KAILUA.

AT RISE: LIHOLIHO AND HIS ADVISERS HAVE GATHERED TO DISCUSS THE GROWING UPRISINGS AGAINST FREE EATING AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GODS.

LIHOLIHOThe breeze chills my brow yet my mouth remains dry.ʻŌkala has taken my flesh, but the warm sand provides no respiteFrom where does this wind blow that bristles the nape and moistens the palm?

NAIHEIt is the Ua kea from Hilo of the upright cliffs that singes the nostrils and tossles the hair.It is the one that scorches your flesh.

HOAPILIThat cannot be for it is the Alahonua that chills your skin and moistens your eyes.No other breeze can chatter the teeth as the Alahonua.

KEKUANAOʻAYou misguide our chief. It is not from Hilo where this wind blows.It is the Moaniʻala from Puna that entrances the mind and numbs the foot.

HEWAHEWAImpossible. The gust that stirs the pola and unsettles the gut carries the scent of death. It is the ʻĀpaʻapaʻa of Kohala.

LAʻANUIYou mistake it for the Puʻukolea of Kapaʻau.

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KEKUANAOʻANonsense. The Puʻukolea is a gentle breeze that cools the brow and comforts the spirit.The ʻĀpaʻapaʻa is a skin piercing wind that is the one which worries us now.

HOAPILIThen how do you explain the red mist of the Kipuʻupuʻu then?

HEWAHEWANeither Kohala or Waimea is where the sore eye was seen, but along the cliffs of Hāmākua of the Aʻeloa.

NAIHEI`ve heard rumors of stirrings at Kekaha by the ʻŌlauniu.

HOAPILIOr the searing wind of Hoʻolapa in Kaʻū.

HEWAHEWANo. Impossible.

LIHOLIHOKipuʻupuʻu, Aʻeloa, ʻŌlauniu, ʻĀpaʻapaʻa, Uakea, Moaniʻala, Hoʻolapa, Puʻukolea!Where is it from this wind blows that chills the brow and dries the bones!

(HERE THE CHIEFS REPEAT THE ABOVE INSISTING THEIR LOCATION IS CORRECT.)

NAIHEIt is the Ua kea from Hilo of the upright cliffs that singes the nostrils and tossles the hair.It is the one that scorches your flesh.

HOAPILIThat cannot be for it is the Alahonua that chills your skin and moistens your eyes.No other breeze can chatter the teeth as the Alahonua.

KEKUANAOʻAYou misguide our chief. It is not from Hilo where this wind blows.

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It is the Moaniʻala from Puna that entrances the mind and numbs the foot.

HEWAHEWAImpossible. This torrent that stirs the pola and unsettles the gut carries the scent of death. It is the ʻĀpaʻapaʻa of Kohala.

LAʻANUIYou mistake it for the Puʻukolea of Kapaʻau.

KEKUANAOʻANonsense. The Puʻukolea is a gentle breeze that cools the brow and comforts the spirit.The ʻĀpaʻapaʻa is a skin piercing wind that is the one which worries us now.

KAPIHEThen how do you explain the red mist of the Kipuʻupuʻu then?

HEWAHEWANeither Kohala or Waimea is where the sore eye was seen, but along the cliffs of Hāmākua of the Aʻeloa.

NAIHEI`ve heard rumors of stirrings at Kekaha by the ʻŌlauniu.

HOAPILIOr the searing wind of Hoʻolapa in Kaʻū.

HEWAHEWANo. Impossible.

LIHOLIHOKipuʻupuʻu, Aʻeloa, ʻŌlauniu, ʻĀpaʻapaʻa, Uakea, Moaniʻala, Hoʻolapa, Puʻukolea!Where is it from this wind blows that chills the brow and dries the bones!

(THE CHIEFS BEGIN ONCE MORE THEN GET INTERRUPTED BY

KALANIMOKU.)

KALANIMOKU

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The wind comes from only one place: it is the Pilihala from Kaʻawaloa. Choke it and the calm will come.

KAPIHEGive me forty soldiers and I will strangle that wind.

HEWAHEWANot with forty times forty will that wind be held.

NAIHELet me go talk to my nephew. Iʻll negotiate a compromise. He can observe his eating kapu and we can eat freely. He can worship the gods he likes and we can worship the God of the haole.

KAʻAHUMANU(ENTERING)

The islands will be joined He hui nā mokuThe ancestors will live He ola nā kūpunaThe things that belong He ihoihoabove of the sky will descend below. ko luna o ka lani ilalo nei.The things that belong here below He piʻi aʻe ko lalowill rise up above in the sky nei i luna i ka lani.The water will be sprinkled forth. A he pi aku i ka wai.

Great prophecies are not fulfilled by compromise. They come to life through force. A great sacrifice for a great cause. Our Kalani knew this.

KALANIMOKUHew down the trunk and the the limb will wither.

(KAʻAHUMANU NODS IN APPROVAL. LIGHTS FADE.)

END SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO

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SCENE: DAWN. NORTH OF KAʻAWALOA.

AT RISE: WARRIORS OF LIHOLIHO LED BY KALANIMOKU ARE AMBUSHED BY KEKUAOKALANI AND HIS WARRIORS.

THE BATTLE IS DEPICTED THROUGH OLI, MELE, AND HULA. AT THE END OF THIS SCENE, KEKUAOKALANI IS VICTORIOUS.

END SCENE TWO

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SCENE THREE

SETTING: EVENING. LATER THAT DAY AT THE KING’S RESIDENCE AT KAILUA. REPORTS OF HIS ARMY’S DEFEAT HAVE REACHED LIHOLIHO.

AT RISE: LIHOLIHO IS INSTRUCTING HOAPILI, NAIHE, AND ULUMAHEIHEI TO ACT AS AMBASSADORS AND RETURN WITH KEKUAOKALANI. KAʻAHUMANU, KALANIMOKU AND KEOPUOLANI ARE PRESENT.

LIHOLIHO(TO AMBASSADORS)

It is useless for any more to die. Tell him there is more life in words than death.

KEOPUOLANIHe is an uku fish, a fish of Kahoʻolawe; he should be drawn in as soon as he is hooked.

LIHOLIHO(TO KALANIMOKU)

Remember. No bloodshed. There has been enough.

KEOPULANII will ensure this. If we are to join with these vast people, we cannot be viewed as savages.

KAʻAHUMANUQuite. Our noble Kalani taught us this with his law of the broken paddle. Our altars can no longer be pedastals of blood and flesh, but wine and bread. Make no mistake.

(TO KEOPULANI)

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Thank you our venerable Queen for your sacrifice in ensuring this noble effort.

(AMBASSADORS EXIT AS WELL AS KEOPULANI. KAʻAHUMANU CALLS KALANIMOKU ASIDE.)

KAʻAHUMANU (CONTʻD)There will be two canoes. Hoapili mā in one. The bait (REFERENCE TO KEOPULANI) and Kekuaokalani in the other. Wait for them at Keauhou.

KALANIMOKUAnd if he resists.

KAʻAHUMANUDo what you must to keep the peace. Remember, “no bloodshed.”

(KALANIMOKU EXITS. LIHOLIHO CROSSES TO KAʻAHUMANU.)

LIHOLIHOI am glad there will be no bloodshed.

KAʻAHUMANUSo you prescribed.

LIHOLIHOWhat do you think Kekuaokalani will do?

KAʻAHUMANUHe is a force to pull the canoe, but where he goes the horizon is unknown. All mist and feathers is he; but our people. What of our people?

KAʻAHUMANU (CONTʻD)NO LONGER SAVAGES

No longer savagesHere is our destinyThe high will be brought lowOur freedom secured!

No longer savages,Our freedom secured!

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Our land is one nowWith other nations;Itʻs knowledge and know-howEquality for all.

There is but one God,He is the Almighty.No longer guessingWhose wrath must be paid.

Generations may condemn us,Sacrificed, so let it be.We must continueToward our destiny.

No longer savages,Our freedom secured!

No longer savagesHere is our destinyThe high will be brought lowOur freedom secured!No longer savages,Our freedom insured!Our freedom insured!

(KAʻAHUMANU EXITS. LIHOLIHO REMAINS. LIGHTS FADE.)END SCENE THREE

SCENE FOUR

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SETTING: KAʻAWALOA. EARLY DAWN THE FOLLOWING DAY.

AT RISE: MANONO DREAMS ONCE AGAIN OF THE BATTLE OF NUʻUANU. A TRUNCATED VERSION OF THE PROLOGUE WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT AFTER KAʻIANA DIES, KEKUPUOHI RISES AND ADDRESSES MANONO, WHO IS PART OF THE RIFLE COMPANY. AT FIRST, KEKUPUOHI BEGINS AN ARIA, THEN IT TURNS INTO A DUET WITH MANONO. THERE IS AN INTERLUDE OF HULA WITH THE FALLEN SOLDIERS BEFORE THE DUET CONCLUDES. THE MATTER OF THE DUET INVOLVES THE KULEANA OF THE VICTORS TO CARRY ON THE TRADITIONS THAT THE FALLEN HAVE PERISHED FOR.

KEKUPUOHI AND THE DANCERS EXIT. CHANTING FOLLOWS SIGNALLING THE ARRIVAL OF THE ROYAL ENTOURAGE. KEKUAOKALANI, KUIAWA, AND HOLOIALENA ENTER. HOAPILI, NAIHE, AND ULUMAHEIHEI. THEY GREET ONE ANOTHER. A MAT IS LAID FOR REFRESHMENT.

HOAPILIIt is the wish of the king that no blood be spilled further over this disagreement.

KEKUAOKALANIThe course of Peleʻs lava is unknown yet yielded to.

HOAPILIPrecisely.

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NAIHESo we are in agreement.

ULUMAHEIHEIWe can then return to Kailua with peace.

KEKUAOKALANIWhich ever way the current goes.

HOAPILIThen it is settled. We shall return to Kailua in peace.

(KEOPUOLANI ENTERS. KEKUAOKALANI PROSTRATES HIMSELF AND THE OTHERS FOLLOW.)

KEOPUOLANIThe dust settles yet the wind stirs.

HOAPILIHe has agreed to return to Kailua with us.

KEOPUOLANII have been listening. He has agreed to nothing.

(REFERRING TO THE GESTURE OF PROSTRATING.)

Stop. I no longer require you to lie down before me. It is a silly gesture.

KEKUAOKALANII lie not for you but for the god who demands it.

KEOPULANIThat god is no longer my god. My god requires worship to him alone.

(HOAPILI, NAIHE, AND ULUMAHEIHEI RISE. KEKUAOKALANI KUIAWA, AND HOLOIALENA REMAIN.)

KEKUAOKALANIThen for our ancestors.

KEOPUOLANII speak for my ancestors.

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NAIHENephew, rise and return with us to Kailua.

KEOPUOLANIHe refuses to surrender to the new way, the new god. Tell me Keaoua, why are these gods so important to you?

KEKUAOKALANIThey are the gods that made us chiefs.

KEOPUOLANIThe new one makes us chiefs.

KEKUAOKALANIThe new one makes everyone chiefs.

KEOPUOLANIBut some chiefs are chieflier than others.

KEKUAOKALANINo doubt since it`s the haole`s god, the haole will be chiefliest of all.

KEOPUOLANIThis conversation wearies me. Come now Keaoua, the sluice gate is open. There`s no putting the fish back; itʻs progress, come pele or shark.

HOAPILIHow many more Hawaiians need to perish to prove this point?

KEKUAOKALANIThat is up to the king.

KEOPUOLANIHe says it’s up to you.

HOAPILIYes, here there is more life in the mouth than death.

KEOPUOLANIBrother, how many more must die due to your stubborness?

NAIHEI say none.

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HOAPILIYes, none.

KEOPUOLANIOr perhaps one.

KEKUAOKALANIPerhaps.

KEOPUOLANIShall we then to Kailua?

KEKUAOKALANIFirst I will talk to Manono.

KEOPUOLANIAh yes. Never the wind without the rain.

(THE ROYAL ENTOURAGE EXITS. HE RISES ALONG WITH KUIAWA AND HOLOIALENA.)

KUIAWAThey mean to kill you.

HOLOIALENAYou will never reach Kailua.

KUIAWAStorm clouds will come from a clear sky.

HOLOIALENAThe Haʻao rain blackens the horizon.

(MANONO ENTERS.)

KUIAWATurning the dawn to a dusk of red.

HOLOIALENAA sore eye.

KEKUAOKALANIThe storm clouds, no doubt, will come, but this storm I endure alone.

KUIAWA

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Never.

HOLOIALENAOur grips hold tight to a common spear.

KUIAWAThe field of battle extends beyond us.

HOLOIALENAWhen the feather floats, we fly together.

KEKUAOKALANIThe tide recedes. The current shifts. The canoe I steer sits one.

MANONOIf there is no room in your canoe, I will steer my own.

KEKUAOKALANIMy echo deceives.

MANONOIt is your companion in death as well as life.

KEKUAOKALANIThe path I take must be trod alone.

MANONOThen I shall be the bird that leads. The sunlight to guide.The cloud to cool your brow.The cushion of the fern.

KEKUAOKALANII will run then.Never stopping to drink, though I thirst.My feet blistered and bruised.Never looking back.

MANONOLet the rain be my cape for you,May my mist quench your thirstThe dust to comfort your feetThe breeze my voice to inspire.

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KEKUAOKALANIMy stomach will groanTears to moisten my cheeksThe shadows to concealEchos, my destiny

MANONOAs your fruit, you will never be hungry;My breath will dry your cheeks.My hands about youWill guide you through depths and din.

KEKUAOKALANIMy heart is bruised.A swollen cloud to burst.The tide overwhelmsThe offering laid on the altar.

MANONOHere is your spear then,That pierces through.Tying us together as it did in lifeSo in death, our love never dying.

KEKUAOKALANII will never doubt your bravery.

MANONOIt is not my bravery that drives.

KEKUAOKALANII will not speak about matters of the heart; it weakens the will.

MANONOAnd how strong is the will that insists on death?

KEKUAOKALANIAs much as I want you to live is the strength of my will to die. What use is it that we all die?

MANONOSo that the gods can live? If we go quietly, if we remain silent so we can live, the gods will be silenced and there is for all Hawaiians that follow.

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KEKUAOKALANIAnd that is why I go and you must live. To carry on.

MANONOMy husband you are whatʻs left of the religion. If you go, we must all go.

(KEOPULANI ENTERS WITH THE ROYAL CONTINGENT. KEKUAOKALANI MĀ PROSTRATE. MANONO REFUSES.)

KEOPUOLANITake note, the woman doesnʻt bend.

MANONOI will not kneel to your god.

KEOPUOLANI(TO KEKUAOKALANI)

We are ready to part.

(KEKUAOKALANI BEGINS TO EXIT. MANONO STOPS HIM.)

KEOPUOLANI (CONT`D)(TO KEKUAOKALANI)

You know what you must do.

MANONOThen I shall be the bird that leads. The sunlight to guide.The cloud to cool your brow.The cushion of the fern.

(KEKUAOKALANI IS AT THE POINT OF CHANGING HIS MIND. KEOPUOLANI GESTURES TO A WARRIOR WHO CROSSES TO KEKUAOKALANI TO ESCORT HIM TO THE CANOE. MANONO GRABS HIS DAGGER. THE WARRIOR RESTRAINS HER. KEKUAOKALANI INTERCEDES.)

KEOPUOLANI(HUMORED. REFERRING TO MANONO.)

Such fire. (TO KEKUAOKALANI)

Such love I`ve never known. It would give me pause. Now you have had your pause, time to go. You are coming?

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KEKUAOKALANIYes, but not by sea. We will proceed by land.

KEOPUOLANIYou cut the navel cord, then, my brother.

KEKUAOKALANISo be it.

HOAPILIThere is nothing left but war.

(THE ROYALISTS EXIT.)

KEKUAOKALANI/MANONOHere is your spear then,That pierces through.Tying us together as it did in lifeSo in death, our love never dying.

(KEKUAOKALANI MĀ EXIT. MANONO REMAINS. CROSSFADE.)

END SCENE FOURSCENE FIVE

SETTING: KAʻAWALOA. THE FOLLOWING DAY.

AT RISE: PERSONAGES ENTER TO DRESS MANONO FOR BATTLE. FEMALE RIFLE COMPANY ENTER WITH DRILL RIFLES. THE FOLLOWING SHOULD LAST UNTIL THE DEATH OF KEKUAOKALANI, 20 MINUTES.

MANONO AND THE COMPANY CHANT AND HULA DEPICTING PREPARATION FOR THE COMING BATTLE. THE CONTEXT INCLUDE ALLUSIONS TO PREPARATION, SUGGESTIVE, WHAT IS TO BE WORN,

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WEAPONS, AND DEVOTION TO THE OLD WAYS. PERCUSSION SHOULD DOMINATE THE PIECE..

THE WOMEN CONCLUDE BY STANDING IN A CIRCLE AND SQUARE THEN SHIFT TO WHERE THEY ARE FACING UPSTAGE. THEY TAKE AIM AND FIRE. CROSSFADE.

END SCENE FIVE

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SCENE SIX

SETTING: KUAMO`O. FOLLOWING DAY.

AT RISE: AS CROSSFADE FROM PREVIOUS SCENE FINISHES. ROYALISTS WARRIORS ENTER FROM UPSTAGE. AS THE FEMALE COMPANY FIRE, SOME OF THE ROYALISTS FALL. FIGHTING CONTINUES AND DEVELOPS INTO HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT. KEKUAOKALANI FALLS. THIS FINAL SEQUENCE IS ALL HULA.

MANONO SINGS HER FINAL ARIA OVER THE BODY OF KEKUAOKALANI. LIGHTS AND GUNSHOT. POSSIBLE PERFORMANCE OF “E MANONO.”

END SCENE SIX

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SCENE SEVEN

SETTING: KAILUA. DAY FOLLOWING KUAMO`O.

AT RISE: LIHOLIHO, KAʻAHUMANU, AND KALANIMOKU DISCOVERED ONSTAGE. KALANIMOKU REPORTS RESULTS OF BATTLE.

KALANIMOKUKuiawa and Wahaheʻe where executed. We still seek others: Kūakamauna, Peʻapeʻa and Naheana. They will be caught and executed soon.

LIHOLIHONo. Enough have died. I will announce a general amnesty to all who submit to the abolition of the ʻai kapu and the ancient gods. My father realized this and would have wanted this. The kapu is ended.

(KEKUAOKALANI AND MANONO ENTER TO DANCE THE FINALE. LIGHTS FADE.)

PĪPĪ HOLO KAʻAO

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