Noi‘i Nowelo – A Survey of Hawaiian & Indigenous Performance is the first critical anthological study of its kind, illuminating the expansive field of Hawaiian and Indigenous performance studies, its theory and its practice. Edited by Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker and J. Lorenzo Perillo, this groundbreaking volume intertwines the work of scholars, artists, and practitioners to forge a new paradigm for research and practice in the performing arts.
Anchored in noiʻi nowelo—the deep and deliberate pursuit of knowledge—this collection transcends Western frameworks to amplify Indigenous methodologies and cultural values. Through analytical essays, case studies, creative works, and reflections, contributors explore the rich histories, critical debates, and distinctly transformative potential of Hawaiian and Indigenous performance.
The book features a diverse array of perspectives on topics such as the evolution of hana keaka (Hawaiian-medium theatre), the role of performing arts in language revitalization, and the intersections of performance, activism, and cultural identity. It also showcases pioneering productions, including Glitter in the Pa‘akai, and highlights the innovative work of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Hawaiian Theatre Program—the first graduate level program globally dedicated to Indigenous performance.
A formative milestone in the field, Noi‘i Nowelo provides a comprehensive framework for understanding Hawaiian and Indigenous performance as a discipline, practice, and cultural force. Designed for scholars, educators, and practitioners alike, this anthology offers invaluable insights and methodologies for engaging with performance as an academic pursuit, a vivacious expression of cultural identity, and a modality for rumination and the stimulation of community resilience.
