Cirque du Soleil's first Pasifika show wants audiences to respect Hawai'i's people and land

Cirque du Soleil's first show themed around Pacific Island culture, "Auana," has premiered in Hawaii to rave reviews. Critics have lauded the show's vibrancy and spirit, describing it as breathtaking.

To ensure the accuracy of cultural details, the production enlisted the expertise of native Hawaiian specialists, including language instructor Keao NeSmith, Kumu Hula (choreographer) Kailihiwa Vaughan-Darval, and costume designer Manaola Yap. The involvement of these Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) leaders, each preeminent in their respective fields, was crucial in bringing this fantastical, hula-inspired dream to life while respecting the authenticity of the local people.

Early in rehearsals, the cultural creative team sat down with the hula dancers to elaborate on the show’s intent and how it would bring life back to the ‘aina’ (land) through the performance. Samoan dancer Fa'afetai Lulu stated, "They told us we should think about the intention we want to bring to the show. To be able to start such a big production with something so meaningful and often overlooked, I knew I was with the right people and going in the right direction." Fa'afetai Lulu has a career spanning nearly a decade, including work on Disney's live-action "Moana."

Fa'afetai and his wife, Oriana Lulu, were both selected as part of the eight core hula dancers. Oriana's mother is a Kumu Hula, and her late father managed the "Yes!" dinner show, which bears some resemblance to Cirque du Soleil's performance style. Their parents brought joy to audiences around the world for over 40 years, so it was only a matter of time before their daughter followed in their footsteps. The couple's joining the Cirque du Soleil production is a remarkable journey, especially for Oriana, who was devastated by the sudden passing of her father just two weeks into rehearsals.

Amidst her grief, "Auana" provided her with solace and space to channel her emotions. Oriana shared, "While grieving, and still working to bring this show to life, I felt incredibly grateful. 'Auana' gave me the opportunity to share my parents' love story – a story of love and sacrifice. What’s truly beautiful is that through each other, we could find light in the darkest moments of healing." She also expressed that every dancer gave her strength during the most difficult time of her life, for which she will be forever grateful.

Both Fa'afatai and Oriana found the rehearsal process for "Auana" to be both rigorous and rewarding. Fa'afatai said, "It was such an amazing experience because we created this show together. All of our ‘mana’ (energy), ideas, and souls were taken into consideration by the creative team, and we solidified our bond through a Kapu Kai (ocean purification ritual)." Throughout the process, there was a clear emphasis on honoring traditions.

Neil Dorward, the director of "Auana," stated, "Above all, this show is a celebration of the Hawaiian spirit through the lens of Cirque du Soleil." The word "Auana" itself means "to wander." In this story, a mischievous character named "Auana" leaves his Hawaiian beach boy roots and forgets who he is. Upon returning to his island home, he is swept into a transformative journey, embarking on a path of self-discovery, reconnecting with his ancestors, and finding joy in belonging.

Throughout the performance, Hawaiian language dialogue, songs, and chants are interwoven. Each scene references Hawaiian legends or ways of life. The moon goddess Hina is beautifully depicted through aerial hoop acrobatics under dark purple lighting. Meanwhile, the Hawaiian earth mother Papahānaumoku tells her story through sand sculpting, creating an ephemeral and mesmerizing experience. Fa'afetai hopes that the audience will take away a deeper meaning from the show, saying, "I hope people dig deeper into the story we are sharing. I don't want them to leave just thinking it was a great show and that's it. I want them to have more respect for the land they walk on and the people of our islands. We are a thriving people, still growing, and very grateful for our ancestors."

For Oriana, taking this step into full-time entertainment with her husband is also a tribute to their cultural heritage. She said, "Our ancestors were brilliant, resourceful, and visionary. They paved the way for us to achieve so much, even when society tried to limit us or tell us who we should be. For my husband and I, stepping away from the traditional path is one of the most empowering decisions we have made. We are incredibly proud to choose a life that aligns with our true calling, embracing our unique gifts and using them to create something meaningful. It’s a journey that allows us to both honor our culture and embrace the opportunities that come with following our passions. We are grateful for the chance to live authentically and inspire others to do the same."