Caught in a collision of cultures and facing the onslaught of relentless change, Hawaiian and missionary women confronted seminal events in 19th century Hawaii that changed their lives — and the lives of others — forever.
Acclaimed dramatist Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl created the poignant play “The Conversion of Ka‘ahumanu” to interweave the stories of five women during one of the most difficult periods in Hawaii’s history. The University of Hawaii at Hilo will mount a full-scale production of this play in April 2020.
But the community can enjoy a VIP preview with a dramatic reading directed by Jackie Pualani Johnson.
Don’t miss this moving portrayal, presented on two occasions at the Lyman Museum in downtown Hilo. The first presentation is from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, with the second from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The women featured include Lucy Thurston played by Justina Mattos, Sybil Bingham played by Barbara Moir, Ka‘ahumanu played by Jackie Pualani Johnson, Hannah Grimes played by Megan Mina and Pali played by Tyler Dela Cruz, with Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl reading stage directions.
This presentation is part of the museum’s Patricia E. Saigo Public Prograom Series. It is free to attend for museum members, or $3 for non-members.
The Lyman Museum is located at 276 Haili St.
For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.