KAPA‘A — A new theatre group for small children will present their first play at 3 p.m. Saturday at the East Side Family Summit. The Purple Striped Honu Theatre for Kids is an adult troop of actors performing plays and
KAPA‘A — A new theatre group for small children will present their first play at 3 p.m. Saturday at the East Side Family Summit. The Purple Striped Honu Theatre for Kids is an adult troop of actors performing plays and musicals for children ages 2 to 10.
Founder of the group, Richard Porto, is a familiar name on the Kaua‘i stage and a veteran of children’s theatre – having worked for 30 years with two similar children’s theaters on the Mainland.
“It’s important for kids to be exposed to theatre early,” he said.
The troop will perform, “Where’s Mom,” a play written by Laurel Petterson McGraw. It’s the story of a baby monk seal who wakes on the shore to discover a yellow tape barrier around him and his mother missing. The baby monk seal meets characters one might encounter on any Kaua‘i beach, like the curious tourist or a frightful shark. This 15-minute play features Petterson McGraw, Eve Solomon, Porto, Rene and Shana Wo.
“The theme for the Family Summit is about bringing family together so we created a play to fit within the theme,” Porto said.
In addition to the 3 o’clock performance the troop will have a tent where families can come participate in activities, a puppet show and face painting.
“Parents need to know that you are there for their kids,” Porto said.
Future works will consist of plays, musicals, puppet theatre and operas for kids. The company plans to produce classics like Pinocchio and Rumplestilskin and locally based stories reflecting life in the Hawaiian islands.
“I want to present local issues and local terminology that Kaua‘i kids understand. “Where’s Mom” is a local story.”
Porto’s theatre involvement includes works with Kaua‘i Community Players, Women in Theatre and production of Malama Pono’s, “Kaua‘i Sings.” Presently Purple Stripe Honu Theatre for Kids is under the umbrella of the Garden Island Arts Council.
One element of this children’s theatre that might be new to a Kaua‘i audience is format.
“The kids are on the floor with the parents behind. It’s fun for parents so they can watch their kids,” he said. “Then you are just performing for the kids and it’s not about the adults.”
Following all performances kids are invited to meet the actors and get an autograph.
“This is a very special part of performing for them,” Porto said.
Having played his share of roles as Santa Claus, with his most recent being for Island School last year, Porto is in it for the joy it brings children.
“The hugs at the end of the show make all the work worth it,” he said.
Look for future performances by Purple Striped Honu Children’s Theatre at the Hanalei Town art and family night at 5 p.m. Feb. 13; noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at Kilohana Pavilion for KKCR fundfest and in March the troop also has plans to appear at Hanapepe Orchid Festival.
For more information e-mail, purple.honu@hotmail.com or call, 826-7552.
