Symphonic In one of the Honolulu Symphony's most challenging presentations, the orchestra and conductor Sam Wong share the stage tomorrow and Sunday with the screening of a documentary that traces the history of the Hawaiian people since European contact.
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tryan@starbulletin.comThe world premiere of the "symphonic presentation" of Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey's film "And Then There Were None" will he held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
The film, shown in cooperation with the Hawaii International Film Festival, uses period photographs, vintage film clips and contemporary footage to take the audience on a journey beginning in 1778 when the English explorer James Cook first landed in Hawaii.
Music performed by the symphony will includes excerpts from Lalo Schifrin's "Queen Liliuokalani Symphony." A native Hawaiian chanter will open and close the presentation. Lindsey, who directed the film, will narrate.
The mixed-media presentation is being done to encourage the community to re-examine any preconceived notions of music, film and history, Lindsey said.
The 20-minute film is difficult to watch in parts for its accurate depiction of the staggering depletion of the Hawaiian race since contact. But the film is not about blame or race, but "simple human rights," Lindsey says.
"I am hopeful that seeing the film will bridge cultural misunderstanding," said Lindsey, who is part Hawaiian and a missionary descendant. "This is an opportunity for the symphony to reach out to some people in the community that have never been embraced before for this sort of event."
Lindsey said students are traveling from the neighbor islands, including Niihau, to attend.
The symphony, through Lindsey's suggestion, is allowing native Hawaiian art to be displayed in the concert hall foyer for the event.
"My prayer is that this sort of event will become commonplace here," she said. "It's great to honor and present singers and musicians like Keali'i (Reichel) and Amy (Hanaiali'i Gilliom), but that's very safe," she said. "Let's use this sort of event to present very diverse issues about health, economics and human rights to break out (of the mind-set) that Hawaiians are strictly for entertainment.
"It is only when things are brought to light that the wounds are able to heal, or they fester in the darkness."
The filmmaker and actress has appeared in the award-winning ABC series "China Beach" and, in 1995, the Steven Bochco series "The Byrds of Paradise," also for ABC. She has also appeared in feature films with Warren Beatty, Andy Garcia and Chow Yun-Fat.
Featuring the Honolulu Symphony with conductor Samuel Wong, including the screening of "And Then There Were None," directed and narrated by Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey 'Cinematic Masterworks'
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
When: 8 p.m. today and 4 p.m. Sunday
Call: 792-2000
Below are three Film Festival Gala and Benefit Parties. For more information, call 528-4433.
TODAY
Opening Night Gala Party, following the 6:30 p.m. screening of "YMCA Baseball Team" at Waikiki Twins 2Where: Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Ilima Court rooftop, fourth floor
When: 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Admission: $60 for both film and party; $65 for only partyEntertainment provided by the Zanuck Lindsey Trio and the Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre
TOMORROW
Island Society Benefit EveningWhere: The Plaza Club, top floor of Pioneer Plaza, 900 Fort Street Mall
When: 4:30 p.m. wine and pupus at club, followed by the 6:30 screening of "Searching for Paradise" at Dole Cannery 9 and 9:30 dessert back at the club (transportation to and from the theater provided)
Admission: $75
Also "Better Luck Tomorrow" After-GalaWhere: The W Hotel, 2855 Kalakaua Ave.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Admission: $8, 21 and overWith Sisters in Sound and other local deejays, and the live sounds of the Turnstyles
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