Kumu Kahua Theatre

Kumu Kahua Theatre, established in 1971 by University of Hawaiʻi graduate students, is dedicated to producing and promoting locally written plays that reflect the Hawaiian experience and its various cultures. With the Hawaiian language words "kumu" and "kahua" meaning "original stage," the theater has been a pioneer in showcasing stories specific to the islands and its diverse communities. In 1982, it gained not-for-profit status, and in 1994, the Hawaii State Legislature awarded it a 100-seat playhouse in downtown Honolulu, which serves as its current home. Over the years, Kumu Kahua Theatre has developed more than 250 original works, providing a platform for local playwrights, directors, performers, and other theatrical artists to hone their craft and contribute to the local arts scene. The theater also plays a key role in educating new generations of theater professionals through productions, public readings, and workshops in acting, improvisation, and playwriting. Notable for its commitment to local subject matter, Kumu Kahua has staged influential plays by renowned island playwrights and has become a cultural touchstone for residents, reflecting the life and people of Hawaiʻi through its unique productions.