Hālau o Keikiali`i, known for live performances that tell the story of the Hawaiian people, will visit Wellesley College Saturday, September 17 for a main-stage performance called Ho`okupu: The Offering. The show, free and open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Jewett Art Center Auditorium. Reservations are suggested.
The performance will cap off a weeklong residency during which members of Hālau o Keikiali`i will interact with students and faculty to learn about hula kahiko (ancient dance) and the chants, songs, arts, crafts, attire, and stories that come together in their performances.
The group’s residency includes a free Midday Muse event on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in the Houghton Chapel, and public workshops on Saturday (registration required) in the art of hula, lei-making, and lauhana weaving (which uses leaves from the hala tree to make everything from mats to decorative baskets, jewelry, and hats), in the Houghton Multifaith Center.
Bridging Hawaiian tradition with Wellesley’s own traditions, the group will also work with students to create leis for use in Wellesley’s oldest and longest-surviving tradition, called Flower Sunday, dating back to 1875. As part of this fall tradition, first-year students receive flowers from an older student with whom they have been paired, signifying their “official” welcome into the College community.
