Kumu Kahua Theatre announced its lineup of shows for its 55th season on Saturday, May 24. The five plays will be making their world premiere and include strong female characters in the cast. The choices were curated by Harry Wong III, the nonprofit theater group’s artistic director.
“I’m so happy that Harry had these five scripts ready to go in one wonderful female-forward season,” said Donna Blanchard, the theater’s managing director, in a written statement. “The first known scripted play is Aeschylus’ ʻThe Persians,ʻ written in the wake of the Greco-Persian Wars. In the 2,500 years since, the vast majority of plays staged have been written by men and dominated by great roles for male actors, including those produced by Kumu Kahua. I hope this season inspires our local playwrights to magnify the feminine voice for at least the next 2,500 years — and encourages more women to proudly take center stage!”
Kumu Kahua Theatre produces plays about life in Hawaiʻi written by local playwrights for the people of Hawaiʻi.
Here are the shows for the 2025-2026 season, listed by date. Plot summaries for each show are based on information provided by the theatre:
“Smother” Aug. 28 – Sept. 28, 2025: Written by Sara Ward, this story focuses on Julia, who has a history of bad choices in men and struggles with a mother who goes to extreme lengths to control her love life.
“Outlandish” Nov. 6 – Dec. 7, 2025: This story from Eric Anderson follows Isabella Bird, a Victorian travel writer who visits Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island and tries to join the local community with occasional blunders. The story follows her adventures including an introduction to the new ruling monarch, King William Charles Lunalilo.
“Blu’s Hanging” March 26 – April 26, 2026: This show is based on the coming-of-age novel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka. It was adapted for the stage by R. Zamora Linmark. “Blu’s Hanging,” follows a Hansen’s Disease survivor, as he mourns the death of his wife and struggles to provide for their kids.
“Two Nails, One Love” Jan. 22 – Feb. 22, 2026: Based on the novel by Alden M. Hayashi, which was adapted by Lee A. Tonouchi, this story follows Ethan Taniguchi, a newly single gay man living in New York City when his estranged mother from Hawaiʻi pays an unexpected visit. The show unravels family history, including incarceration and a hostage exchange in World War II.
“Memory Beads” May 28 - June 28, 2026: This is the story of Joni, who knows Alzheimer’s Disease runs in her family and fears its impact on her mother and herself. Written by Diane Aoki, the story shares how Joni collects memory beads of her family’s journey from Okinawa in what becomes a story of the relationships between mothers and daughters across five generations of family.
General admission is $28. Discounts are available for students and season ticket holders. Get tickets.
