On Friday, February 4, Kumu Kahua Theatre will hold its first ever gallery opening from 6:00-7:45pm. The theatre comes alive with "Draw the Line", an art sale event and fundraiser, with drawings that will be sketched LIVE in person by local artists.
At a time when non-profits are seeing the worst financial crises they have ever seen, Kumu Kahua celebrates its 40th anniversary, stacking its season with world premieres and commissioned works by its most popular playwrights. The 100-seat playhouse is the only theatre in town dedicated to producing plays uniquely about life in Hawaii and performing not only to local, but worldwide, audiences.In 2009, the State Legislature drastically cut its State Foundation on Culture and the Arts grant, debilitating the theatre's already skeletal budget. Last month, Kumu Kahua issued a public cry for help and doubled their efforts to cut expenses, raised ticket prices, and reduced their full time staff. It appears that the two remaining shows in the current season will go on, however, future seasons are pending.Sensing the catastrophic ripple effect should the state lose another cultural source, local visual artists approached the theatre with the idea of this fundraiser. All proceeds from "Draw the Line" will benefit Kumu Kahua Theatre. The artists will be provided with paper and space to draw, but will be supplying their own tools for drawing. As the drawings are completed they will be hung on the walls and become immediately available for purchase for a mere $20 each. Artists in attendance will be Jamie Allen, Solomon Enos, Audra Furuichi, Ryan Higa, Andy Lee, Corrine Kamiya, Jon Murakami, Cy Nigashi, Aaron Padilla, Melissa Rivera, Lauren Roth, Cade Roster, Mako Schwalbenitz, Maika'i Tubbs and more.
"Draw the Line" precedes the theatrical performance of Lee Tonouchi's"Da Kine Space" at 8pm. Visitors are encouraged to attend. Tickets for "Da Kine Space" are $20 General Admission with discounts for seniors and students. For advance reservations please call 808-536-4441 between the hours of 11am-3pm Monday-Friday.Parking is available at Harbor Court Building (entrance on Bethel Street between Nimitz and Merchant) for a flat rate of $3 in the evenings and on weekends.Kumu Kahua productions are being supported by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, celebrating more than thirty years of culture and the arts in Hawai'i (with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts); the Annenberg Foundation; the Hawai'i State Legislature; the taxpayers of the City & County of Honolulu; the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts; and Foundations, Businesses and Patrons.
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