HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
JOSEPH KEKUKU AND THE VOICE OF THE STEEL GUITAR
Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth
From Honolulu, HI
In 1889, a student at Kamehameha Schools fabricated a steel bar in the school’s machine shop, slid it across the strings of his guitar and changed the sound and shape of the instrument forever. The grandson of a royal chanter, Joseph Kekuku played his steel guitar for royalty in Hawai‘i and across Europe, inspiring musicians around the world with the new “Hawaiian Sound”.
By Moses Goods in collaboration with Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings
Additional performances also available from the company: (virtual) Stories of Oceania and Duke.
Curriculum Connections
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Performing Arts: Theatre, Live Performance Puppetry, Lion Dance music and movement, Martial arts such as Jingju and Kung Fu
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Language Arts: Oral History Interviews, traditional fables, Haozi work songs
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History/Social Studies: Chinese culture & history; Origin of the Chinese Zodiac; Lunar New Year; Family Traditions
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Social/Emotional Learning Development: Bravery, Resilience, Community, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Self Management, and Relationship Skills.
Outreach & Workshops
Please contact us if additional outreach or workshops is something you'd like to explore. A member of the creative team may be available to deliver pre or post show workshops or a live Q&A for participating audiences. Please connect with us about outreach activities that best engage your teachers and schools.
Sensory Friendly
This performance is available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Tech Specs
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Load In Time: Four hours (pre-rig required.)
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Crew Needs: 1-2 Electricians/Stage Hands and 1 Audio Technician for Load In. 1 crew member to operate lighting during show.
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Min. Stage Size: 15’ wide x 15’ deep, 12’ high. Two dressing rooms
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Load Out Time: 1 hour
Artistic Team
Written by Moses Goods
in collaboration with Kealaki Center for Pacific Strings
Originally Performed by:
Serina Dunham
Eun Ho Lee
Touring Company will be 2 performers, 1 stage manager, still TBD.
Critical Acclaim
HTY has been awarded the prestigious 2022 CTFA Corey Medallion presented by the Childrenʻs Theatre Foundation of America and honors recipients for their significant achievements for the enrichment of children in the US and Canada. To learn more about the award, please read the following Broadway World article here.
This production is supported by the TYA Tour Development Collective.
About the Company
Past North American Tours Include: The Carp Who Would Not Quit, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, The Pa’akai We Bring, and The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) produces professional theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of young people, families and educators in the state of Hawaii.
HTY believes that drama education and theatre are unique, socially-based education and art forms that help their participants and audiences walk in the shoes of others, allowing them to expand their imaginations, enrich their lives and discover the infinite possibilities in the world. HTY works towards a future for Hawaii in which people are culturally literate and imaginative, are critical thinkers and inventive problem solvers, with a respect for history and a sense of place in a complex world.
Founded in 1955, HTY is one of the oldest and most respected children’s theatres in the country. HTY has served over five million people through school and family performances and drama education programs. Over 300 new plays for young audiences have been commissioned by HTY.
HTY has used their talents in new ways during the Covid era and, with a partnership with NMG Network and Hawaii News Now, created a new type of children’s television program. Grounded in their geography and the many diverse cultures that make Hawaii special, the program is unlike anything currently available in children’s television and marks the beginning of a hybrid future for HTY as both theatre and digital media creator. Check out HTY's television show THE HI WAY as well as other information about the company and their work on their website here.
Past Productions
