Cirque du Soleil, renowned for its captivating blend of acrobatics and storytelling, recently premiered a new production, “Auana,” in Waikiki, Hawaii. The show’s name, meaning “to wander or drift” in Hawaiian, reflects its unique fusion of Hawaiian culture, language, and traditional arts like hula with Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatic performances and aerial displays.
Director Neil Dorward emphasized the importance of authenticity in portraying Hawaiian traditions. He collaborated closely with the local creative team and immersed himself in Hawaiian culture, even reading children’s books to grasp the nuances of the stories. “It had to be authentic, and it had to tell the right stories. The stories are very complicated,” Dorward explained.
The challenge stemmed from the multiple versions of traditional Hawaiian stories. Children’s books provided a foundational understanding, simplifying the complex narratives. “It’s an introduction. It’s the language. It’s an introduction to hula,” Dorward stated. “For some people, it’s an introduction to the stories…So then it’s another journey to get started.”
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Translating these narratives into visual spectacles posed another hurdle. Dorward needed to find a way to convey the stories through acrobatics in a way that was both engaging and easily understood. He elaborated, “This is a visual show, so how am I going to tell that story with an acrobat? It’s got to be digestible. It’s got to be from a visual perspective.” Even the children’s books presented conflicting versions, highlighting the depth and complexity of Hawaiian folklore.
While Cirque du Soleil is based in Montreal and has a prominent presence in Las Vegas, its origins trace back to founder Guy Laliberté’s inspiration while watching a Hawaiian sunset on the Big Island. This connection to Hawaii adds another layer of significance to the new Waikiki production.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who attended the opening, captured the essence of the show, describing it as embodying “the aloha.” He expressed his joy in returning home with his family for the premiere. “It’s good to be back home during this time and bring the little ones here too,” Johnson shared.
