Interactive TYA Play Encourages Collaboration and Resiliency in the Face of Climate Change

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's Department of Theatre + Dance and Kennedy Theatre present, 20,000 Leagues Deep #hawaii_ascending a brand-new devised immersive Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) experience directed by alumnus and former HTY (Honolulu Theatre for Youth) Artistic Associate Alvin Chan, MFA.

This world premiere production is an engaging interactive theatre experience specifically designed for young patrons (in grades 3-5) at Kennedy Theatre. "Want to be a scientist on board a super-secret submarine and help save the world from the dangers of polluters? Then come on board the Nautilus and spin around the Pacific! But be careful, things might get a bit...slimy," says Director Chan. Estimated run time is approximately 40 minutes and audience sizes are limited. Public performances are available on Friday, February 24th and March 3rd starting at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 p.m. or on Saturday or Sunday February 26th, March 4th or 5th starting at 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20-$8. Special school-time field-trip shows are also available at a discounted rate for school groups by contacting ktyouth@hawaii.edu. Content warnings: flashing lights, fog effects, and possible jump scares. This unique production is not a "sit-down show"; it adventures through the Kennedy Theatre environment, so patrons should come ready to explore.

Chan believes that TYA productions that are inclusive and interactive allow the community and families to come together. Grandparents, parents, and their children can enjoy a shared experience as a family alongside other families. It's a chance to share a connection where children can see other children and parents see other parents. It is his belief that TYA productions help nurture communal experiences and strengthen the community. Chan notes, "What's most exciting about the intimacy and kinetic atmosphere of this production is that the audience is in the thick of the action, and what they do affects the story and allows the story to unfold. If you think about climate change, the whole concept can be just that; -- a far off concept that isn't a reality, -- but when you see it, when you're stuck in it, it becomes real."

Chan taught a graduate level Devised Theatre course during the fall 2022 semester at UHM where students were involved in the crafting and creating the production. "It became our germination tank for ideas both textual and physical," notes Chan. The end goal of the class was to have a finished script that would be used by the actors and designers for the spring semester production. Over half the students from that class are participating in the production as actors, directors, puppet/prop designers, and builders. Chan humbly states, "The students in the class wrote the script as a group, I merely facilitated the process."

The play addresses climate change but it also highlights themes of teamwork, collaboration, resiliency, and determination. "It's important to talk with our keiki about real world issues," he continues, "trying to talk things out with the knowledge that our children will be dealing with this conversation; allows us to come at the subject matter with a greater grace and sense of patience and hope."

For more information about the show and the direct link to purchase tickets online visit: manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/leagues. For ticketing questions or accessibility arrangements please email the box office at ktbox@hawaii.edu or call (808) 956-7655.

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