The University of Hawaii at Hilo invites the community to apply to be Wailau storytellers.
Wailau is a storytelling event meant to build connections across the UH-Hilo campus and with the wider community. The fourth episode of Wailau premieres in spring 2022 with the theme ‘Tales of Misunderstanding.’
Storyteller applications are being accepted through Friday, Feb. 11.
Organizers for Wailau, which means “where water from diverse sources comes together to commingle and become a more powerful, unified whole,” aim to spotlight voices and stories that fit Wailau themes in interesting ways, showcasing five storytellers at each online event: a UH-Hilo faculty member, staff member, student, alum, and a Hawaii Island community member. Submissions are also welcome from former faculty and staff members and storytellers of all ages.
Between the application deadline on Feb. 11 and the premiere on Saturday, May 7, storytellers are offered a coaching session, will take part in an on-stage meeting/rehearsal, and are then recorded sharing their Tales of Misunderstanding on UH-Hilo’s Performing Arts stage in advance of the online premiere. If storytellers are unable to attend on-stage taping, self-taped stories are accepted.
UH-Hilo students play a major role in staging Wailau, from selecting the theme and stories, to operating lights, sound and cameras, to participating as hosts and storytellers. Students from the English Club determine Wailau themes, review applications and select storytellers.
Those interested in being a storyteller have an opportunity to view earlier episodes before completing their application. Visit the Wailau Archives at https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wailau/archives.
To apply, visit hilo.hawaii.edu/wailau.
