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"You're the Magic Fish!"
Of the many roles I've played on stage, the Magic Ulua has brought me an unexpected measure of fame, more gratifying than any award or statuette. Thanks to the Maui Academy of Performing Arts, hundreds of Maui keiki still recognize me as Auntie Ulua, or "that funny lady who came to my school," nearly a year after hanging up my fins and fish scales.
MAPA's educational tour show, "The Fisherman and His Wife -- Maui Style," was performed for more than 3,000 preschoolers and elementary students, sharing our adaptation of the Brothers Grimm's classic fable of gratitude and humility.
This year, MAPA presented me with a greater (but no less fun) challenge: writing and performing in an original play for the tour. "The Magic of Kamishibai" will introduce children to the Japanese form of street performance that used illustrated cards to tell stories. Kamishibai was wildly popular in the 1930s and '40s but lost its appeal after the advent of television.
Starring Rylee Hubin, Francis Taua and yours truly, with music written by Marti Kluth and performed by Gilbert Emata, "The Magic of Kamishibai" begins three months of touring Maui schools on Nov. 2. While this forgotten art is highlighted in our play, the timeless values of compassion and generosity are the primary message.
For more than two decades, MAPA has presented old-fashioned lessons as well as contemporary issues such as bullying and environmental concerns through the annual school visits. But the educational tour is only one of MAPA's numerous contributions to our community. Since 1974, more than a million children and adults have participated in MAPA (originally named Maui Youth Theatre) programs, as students, teachers, audience members, performers, volunteers and donors.
Since 1992, David Johnston has served as MAPA's artistic director and is the organization's executive director as well. Many local theatregoers also refer to David as the "Director of Darkness" because the shows he chooses to direct and produce, particularly the big summer musicals, don't always end "happily ever after." David prefers to present stories that push both performers and audience into self-examination and, as MAPA's mission states in part, building community and connecting our world through the performing arts.
He has described theater as "an event of communal storytelling (which) brings us together in a shared experience that opens our minds and hearts to the unscripted conversations and dawning visions that are the first light cutting through that dark cloud."
David is a true believer that, one person at a time, the arts can change the world. And he has devoted the past quarter-century to shining his light upon that goal, providing entertainment and inspiration through theater.
Last week, David was diagnosed with severe liver disease and is now in San Francisco where he will, hopefully, receive a liver transplant. MAPA board President Virgie Cantorna has set up a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/fgfkmq-davids-road-to-recovery) to assist with medical and travel expenses. Contributions, payable to Sally Sefton Johnston, also may be sent to MAPA, 2050 Main St., Suite 3G, Wailuku 96793.
Chances are you have been touched in some way by David and the amazing work he has done at MAPA. Maybe you've marveled at one of the musical extravaganzas in Castle Theater or taken in an intimate drama or comedy at the old Steppingstone Theater. Perhaps your children or grandchildren have taken MAPA dance classes, or maybe even watched the Magic Ulua grant the Fisherman's wishes.
Virgie also created a Facebook page, Friends of David Johnston, where well-wishers may post messages of aloha and receive updates on David's condition. Dozens of folks have shared photos and anecdotes that have surely helped both David and Sally smile through these difficult days. Your contributions of positive thoughts and prayers are as welcome as any financial assistance you might provide.
David has devoted his life to enriching our community through the power of the arts. Now it's time for us to show the power of our community.
* Kathy Collins is a storyteller, actress and freelance writer whose "Sharing Mana'o" column appears every Wednesday. Her email address is kcmaui913@gmail.com.