Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu

Nā Lei Hulu I Ka WÄ“kiu is a dance company and school dedicated to the preservation of, and education about, the Hawaiian culture through the art of hula. Using both traditional and contemporary forms of hula, the 40-member company performs annually for local audiences of more than 21,000 people through its home season, as well as three to five tours or regional performances. The organization provides beginning and intermediate hula training to 300 adult students at its school, in addition to keiki (kids) classes for children. This grant to Nā Lei Hulu I Ka WÄ“kiu advances the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.

In recognition of the Hewlett Foundation’s 50th anniversary, the Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions initiative supports the creation and premiere of 50 exceptional works of performing arts. This grant will support Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu in developing and presenting "Mahu" by choreographer Patrick Makuakane. "Mahu" will be a multimedia dance theater performance that uses traditional and contemporary hula to reclaim the traditional place of honor and respect given to mahu (transgender people) in ancient Hawaiian society.