Seattle Children’s Theatre presents “The Paʻakai We Bring” — a moving exploration of tradition, community, and meaning. This intimate, music-filled production gives a passionate introduction to pa’akai (pah-kuh-eye), known in other cultures as salt. Told through soulful oli (chant), hula (dance), folk tales, and audience interaction, “The Paʻakai We Bring” is an uplifting journey to the salt fields of Kauai, where young viewers will be swept by its universal themes and engaging characters devoted to telling this story.
(Image courtesy Honolulu Theater for Youth)
Synopsis
This original production was created by Moses Goods, an Artistic Associate at Honolulu Theatre for Youth, who, native to Hawaii, found a personal topic to highlight for audiences worldwide. Pa’akai, or salt, represents so much more than food. It is medicine, offering believers a spiritual way to rid people of negative energy. It is a sacrament utilized for similar ceremonies and cleansing spaces. It is a highly valuable gift to bestow on friends. It is also a multifunctional tool that can preserve fish without refrigeration or provide flavor to food.
Pa’akai is at the center of this production, one that moves like the ocean. It ebbs through explanations and demonstrations, providing context and facts about the beloved substance. It flows through more dramatic scenarios featuring characters spanning multiple generations who work in and around the pa’akai fields of Kauai. Pa’akai is prevalent in the ocean, and the ocean is imperative to life in the Hawaiian Islands.
(Image courtesy Honolulu Theater for Youth)
Exploring the use of salt in Hawaiian tradition
Running a tight 60 minutes, the show is an unstructured exploration of pa’akai’s role in traditional Hawaiian society. From the people who harvest the precious stuff to how it is used, the cast of “The Paʻakai We Bring” – all members of the Honolulu Theatre for Youth – provides a sincere jumping-off point for further discussions and research into these traditions. Their process of mining for the precious substance is based on extensive research. The troupe traveled to Kauai and spent time working alongside traditional salt harvesters.
(Image courtesy Honolulu Theater for Youth)
Interactive Pa’akai mining
My 5- and 7-year-olds were enamored by the songs, which we sang all the way home. There are no “scary” or uncomfortable parts. However, with a very vague storyline focusing more on performance than premise, some younger viewers may lose interest before the curtain falls. SCT recommends audience members be at least 7 years old; I concur with that assessment purely due to attention span and critical thinking capabilities. (My 5-year-old was content with the beautiful songs and dancing, but there were very few follow-up questions or comments on her end.)
Its message about community, traditions, and generosity is a commendable piece of the whole that had us enjoying “The Paʻakai We Bring”. The unanimously favorite part of the production for my family was when we were called to chant along, committing to the motions and engaging in the prayer-like reverie with which the characters regard the pa’akai. “The Paʻakai We Bring” is a sweet, calming production, a wonderful end SCT’s 2024-25 season.
(Image courtesy Honolulu Theater for Youth)
Know before you go
- The show runs through June 1, with various showtimes spanning the morning and evening.
- Runtime is approximately 60 minutes without an intermission.
- Recommended age is 7+.
- The Access/Audio Described Performance is Sunday, June 1 at 2:30 p.m.
- Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at 201 Thomas Street, Seattle 98109
- Garage and street parking are available with payment. Give yourself ample time if there is an event at Climate Pledge Arena.
- Seattle Children’s Theatre is running at full capacity.
