LAHAINA - The history of a beloved Hawaiian princess will come to life this weekend in two performances of "A?Celebration of Life - The Ka'iulani Project" from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Lahaina United Methodist Church; and 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. John's Church in Keokea. Admission is by donation.
The events will feature selected scenes from the play by Jennifer Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi, a period piece (1885-1893) surrounding the life of Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn that celebrates this brave young girl who overcame great sorrow to become Hawaii's "Hope of the Nation."
Journey back to a controversial time in Hawaiian history where several members of the musical Kalakaua royal family are depicted, as well as other well-known politicians and ladies of the day.
"It's time Ka'iulani was celebrated - here in Hawaii most importantly," said Fahrni in a press release. "Ka'iulani was a bridge between the cultures, and as the best of the Hawaiian and Scottish, her legacy lives on in all the multicultural children living in Hawaii today."
Saturday's event will also feature live contemporary island music, Celtic sounds, jazz and drumming. The project is leading to a large-scale stage production that will premiere on Maui.
Proceeds from Saturday's event will benefit Maui Police Department senior criminalist Julie Wood in her fight against cancer. Sunday's event will benefit St. John's Church and The Ka'iulani Project.
For details, call 264-5190.
