New night show features universal storyline

After more than three years and $3 million in preparation and improvements, the Polynesian Cultural Center officially premiered its new night show, Hä: Breath of Life on August 14, 2009. "Marvelous, it was just marvelous," said one guest who took part in the standing ovation at the end of the production that evening.

PCC President Von D. Orgill explained the concept behind Hä grew out of the immense success of the Center's night shows: "Many of you are aware that we have had successful night shows ever since the Center opened in 1963," he said. "Our last production, Horizons, which we just closed out, was our longest-running show at 14 years. During that period of time, between 92-96 percent of our guests rated it as excellent and the highlight of their experience at the PCC. Uniformly, they loved being here. It was exciting, entertaining, and there was a special spirit about it. The PCC was the highlight of their experience in Hawaii."

"So, building on a strong foundation and high expectations, three years ago we got a whole group of people together, including our own cultural experts and alumni, and asked ourselves a series of questions. One of them was: Could we actually create something that is as good or maybe even better than all of the wonderful shows of the past? Is that even possible?"

"Then we asked ourselves another question: Could we create something that had more meaning, in addition to the fun, entertainment and excitement? So we started to create a storyline that we could build into the show to work with and through these special cultures, to tell a story that would be meaningful to everyone. It would have to be inherent in the cultures of Polynesia, but it would also have to register with anyone, anywhere, since we entertain guests from all over the world," Orgill continued. "We've had an incredible team working very hard to create a new and different experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Hä: Breath of Life is the result. Hä, in Hawaiian, literally means "breath," and is incorporated into words such as aloha (love), 'ohana (family), and 'oha (taro root).

The all-new Hä: Breath of Life employs animation, a new surround-sound, a new stage, specially designed animation and new theatrical features and effects to tell the story of a young couple who are expecting their first child. A volcanic eruption forces them to flee their island by canoe, and after surviving a storm at sea:

• The Tongans welcome them into a new home, where their son, Mana, is born.
• The Hawaiians celebrate the survival of young Mana.
• The Maoris depict Mana's growth and training [pictured at right] from a boy into a young man.
• In Samoa, Mana spies a certain young woman, Lani, and must prove his love —literally — through a test of fire.
• The Tahitians celebrate the marriage of Mana and Lani.
• In Fiji, Mana must defend his home against enemies and mourn the death of his father.
• The Samoan fire knife dancers symbolize the circle of Mana's life and the vitality of his hä.
• During the finalé, everyone celebrates the birth of Mana and Lani's new daughter, Hina.

Orgill added that the new show is designed to appeal to those who have already been to the Polynesian Cultural Center before, "and we trust that it will appeal to the kamaaina as well, for many years to come."

During a special reception before the premiere, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann sent Sidney Quintal, Director of City Enterprise Services, to share a special message the reflects the themes of "family, hope and pride of heritage that is so wonderful and transcending" in the new show:

"The concept of hä is important to all Polynesians, from our very first breath to our last. It links us to our ancestors and to the future generations," wrote the mayor, a Samoan with strong family ties in Koolauloa. "On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, I extend best wishes for an enjoyable and successful opening night."

"The mayor is committed to Polynesian cultural advancement," added Quintal, who is part-Hawaiian.

Just minutes before "the curtain went up" Delsa Moe, PCC Director of Cultural Events, welcomed the sold-out world premiere of Hä: Breath of Life, and said: "As Polynesians, we have always honored and revered our elders, and especially our ancestors who have passed on, because of the hä or life force that they impart to us through their lessons of life and knowledge."

"Mana represents all of us," she continued, "and I hope the messages resonate in your heart."

Moe also announced that the lead roles for the premiere were Ricky Suaava as Mana, Luçie Wilson [pictured at left] as Lani, Atu Vaka as the father and Lupiana Fiefia as the mother.

— Photos by Mike Foley