Na Wahine Ali‘i — A Visit with Emma and Liliu‘okalani

Queen Liliuʻokalani

The Kaua‘i Historical Society will be presenting two dramatic interpretations of the inner thoughts and personal perspectives of two noble queens of Hawai‘i on two dates, Feb. 13 and 14.

“These will be in a fairly intimate setting and very different perspectives of both queens,” said Donna Stewart, of the Kaua‘i Historical Society.

In “Vespers of Hānaiakamalama,” Denyse Woo-Ockerman will portray Queen Emma, who suffered family tragedies — she lost her husband and their son — yet remained strong in spirit.

In “Liliu‘okalani at Washington Place,” Jaquelyn Pualani Johnson relates the personal turmoil and musings of a queen who loved her people above heself.

Both plays were written by Johnson, a professor of theater at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo on the Big Island.

Queen Emma

The Saturday, Feb. 13 performance will be in the Church of the Pacific in Princeville at 7 p.m. The Sunday, Feb. 14 performance will be at St. Michael and All Angels Church Hall at 2 p.m.

The event is funded in part by Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, Anne Knudsen Sinclair Fund, Young Brothers and other donors. Support from Hanalei Colony Resort, St. Michael & All Angels Church.

Seating is limited, and reservations are highly recommended. A donation of $20 in advance, and $25 at the door is suggested. Call the Kaua‘i Historical Society at 245-3373 or email info@kauaihistoricalsociety.org for more information.