The redevelopment of the Kaka'ako neighborhood is in full swing and one aspect that is rising alongside the many condo towers and commercial endeavors is the entertainment and activities offered in this one time mom and pop shop, warehouse, and light industrial district. This past weekend, my better half and I decided to have a night out in Kaka'ako, have a lite supper at Honolulu Beerworks, and catch a performance of Siren's Song by Jonathan Dove. The opera first debuted in the mid 1990's and explores themes of love, deception, and the power of belief, all of which one might consider typical fare as opera themes go but our story is set in the modern vernacular and draws a parallel to the online phenomenon of "Catfishing", or the fraud associated with fake identities used to develop romantic relationships over the internet. Although, the time frame for the narrative is set in the 1990's before online "Catfishing" developed it certainly is a telltale of the deceitful social behavior that would eventually evolve into the scenario revealed to us in the Manti Te'o story of last year, and the somewhat incredulous story of how a Heisman Trophy candidate and Notre Dame hero was deceived into believing his amorous online relationship was with an actual woman.
The Hawai'i Opera Theatre or H.O.T. for short has stretched it's legs and expanded it's performance venue from it's home at the Blaisdell Concert Hall to the corrugated corridors of warehouses on Cooke Street near Kaka'ako Makai with it's cacophony of colorfully colored murals, hip eateries, and palatable art scene. Originally intended as a temporary rehearsal space for the Hawai'i Opera Theatre, the producers decided to transform the spacious warehouse at 445 Cooke St. into a performance venue for "Siren's Song", and added an extended performance schedule. A perfect setting for the minimalist 70 minute opera conducted by Vincent de Kort and directed by Henry Akina.
Before the show we stopped by Honolulu Beer Works for a most enjoyable repast of rye beer and Miso infused pulled pork sliders. I must say these sliders were exquisite, the service was big on aloha and the atmosphere reminded me of Telluride in South West Colorado. A funky, hip space that has a frontier feel, open to the air with interesting folks, eating great food, smiling and having fun.
After our supper we passed by some of the impressive street art as we walked down the block of commercial kitchens, locksmiths, and wholesale office warehouses. Just off the sidewalk a sandwich board announced the presence of the valet and bright light spilled from the doorway of the warehouse/performance venue.
Above, Polynesian Navigator Papa Mau Piailu of Satawal - the man responsible for helping reintroduce to the world and to native Hawaiians the traditions and skills sets of ancient celestial navigation and non-instrument way-finding for deep ocean navigation. Below, legendary Hawaiian waterman and big wave surfer Eddy Aikau, who was lost at sea during the historical sojurn to Tahiti of the deep ocean voyaging canoe, Hokule'a.
Inside the cavernous and well lit venue was a full bar and food refreshments provided by local restaurants. To my surprise EAT Honolulu was there with a stock of thickly cut bacon dipped in chocolate. Of course, I partook of a slice and it was as delicious as it was unexpected. Unfortunately, I was so preoccupied with the new venue and treats provided that I neglected to use the comfort station before the performance, lets just say I won't being doing that again. As we funneled into the makeshift theatre, there was an announcement that re-entry would not be permitted, I went on to make the foolish prediction that I could manage 70 minutes without concern. Lets just say I spent the last 10 minutes of the opera peering through the crack of the theater door.
In the world of opera, fans can be and often fall into two camps, The Verdians, those who worship the formidable talents of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi or the Wagnerians, those who swoon to the Teutonic gravitas of Richard Wagner. I am the later and have been since the age of 6 when I first saw Bugs Bunny dressed as Brünnhilde, abreast a Rubenesque mare galloping down a mountainside to Tannhaüser's Pilgrims Chorus, in the Merrie Melodies production of What's Opera Doc. Although, some of you may better remember the episode by Elmer Fudd's aria "Kill The Wabbit". What's Opera Doc, according to professional animators is considered #1 of the 50 greatest animated cartoons of all time, an estimation I agree with wholeheartedly. But, don't take my word check it out for yourself...
What's Opera Doc by MistyIsland1
A Night Out In Kaka'ako: Beer, Bacon, and The Opera.
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