Pupu with the Living Dead

Historical figures come back to life in the Mission Cemetery

If all the world’s a stage, that must include graveyards. And what better location for bringing back to life long-dead historical people of Hawai‘i’s history than in a cemetery—at the very spot where their remains lie buried? Cemetary Pupu Theatre, presented by Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, is back with an all-new cast of prominent departed Hawai‘i residents. 

Ha‘o rises from Kanui’s grave
Photo courtesy of Mission Houses

Each character has been thoroughly researched and the monologues are all based on historical, documented fact. This season, patrons will meet an array of intriguing persons, with each monologue scripted by Zach Thomas, who also plays the part of Reverend Hiram Bingham. Other characters include: William Kanui, played by William Ha‘o, one of only two native Hawaiians buried in the Mission Cemetery; Mary Tenney Castle, played by Jo Pruden, of the famed Castle Trust; William Beals—a hapa under the care of Sybil Bingham, the reverend’s wife; and Anna Rice Cooke, who founded the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

“I think people might be surprised at what they learn,” said Mike Smola of Mission Houses. “They might not know, for example, that many Hawaiians went to the gold rush in California.”

“And Hiram Bingham was beat up by a mob of sailors” he disclosed. “But people will have to come down to find out why.”

The evening will feature pupu and drinks from 5-6pm, then the cemetery tour until 8pm, followed by more pupu and more drinks, which is good, because connecting with the dead can work up a serious appetite.

Smola emphasized the bigger emotional connection to history this kind of experience provides. “People are interested in the gravestones after. They want to get close and really look at them.” Now that’s something you couldn’t do in any old theatre.

[Mission Cemetery (assemble at the Mission Houses, 553 S. King St.), Fri-Sat, 10/5-10/13, 5-9pm, $60, [www.missionhouses.org], 447-3926]