Flying High at the Library

Youth theatre presents Maui’s Kite.

Over 50 keiki attended the performance of “Maui’s Kite.” 

By Jennifer Smith

Keiki were invited to go on a journey with Maui and his kite last week Tuesday. The adventure took place at the Molokai Public Library during the Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s (HTY) performance of “Maui’s Kite.”  

“Winds, winds, come out and play,” HTY actor Junior Tesoro said, as he used rhymes to engage the young audience. Having created “a sting ray that flies in the sky,” Tesoro, or Maui as he is called in the play, searches for the perfect amount of wind to send his kite flying.

Tesoro began his performance by introducing hula movements and Hawaiian words that the keiki could use to participate in the presentation. “Hula is a great way of passing on stories,” he said.

HTY has traveled throughout Hawaii telling the story of how the Hawaiian Kite was invented. The performances end with a message from HTY sponsor the Department of Health (DOH), which emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen and mosquito repellant.

Despite a tight performance schedule Tesoro, fellow actor Cynthia See, and HTY Stage Manager Peggy Sullivan appear to thoroughly enjoy the production. “The best part is that we get to go into libraries, communities, and schools,” See said.

“They are talented and it is a quality program,” Molokai Public Library Branch Manager Sri TenCate said, adding that performances help to expose people to the resources at the library. “We have these stories and books” such as the legends of Maui.

TenCate hopes that support grows for an expansion of the public library so that they can comfortably continue to host performances. 
 
Mahalo to the librarians, custodial staff, Hawaii State Friends of the Library, HTY, and the DOH.