Mr. Masaru Uchino is a third grade teacher at Momilani Elementary School. He is also a very talented playwright and director. On Thursday night, Mr. Uchino presented, "Kahewai's Journey" performed by the Momilani Elementary School third grade class before family and friends at the school's cafeteria.
Kahewai's Journey, written and directed by Mr. Uchino, tells a story of Kahewai, a friendly Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle who lives in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Kahewai travels around the world making friends and spreading the spirit of Aloha. Kahewai's mission of Aloha will hopefully entice her new friends throughout the world to make a visit to our beautiful Hawaiian islands.
"This is a story about the Spirit of Aloha and what it means to us here in the islands and to everyone else around the world," said Uchino. "It's a call to everyone to spread Aloha, and to realize that although our economy is still facing tough times, the Aloha Spirit will never die."
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Kahewai (far left) makes a stop in the Philippines to make friends and spread the Spirit of Aloha.
"This is the first time that a Momilani Drama Performance has been completely written,directed and produced by a teacher, so this is a really huge project for our class," said Uchino. "We're really excited and hope for a very successful drama production."
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Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Writer/Director, Mr. Masaru Uchino with Assistant Director & cast member (mother of Kahewai), Leona Uyesato.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Kahewai's Journey took her to far away countries like Africa. In this scene, Kahewai comes across a pack of Lions.
Mr. Uchino and his cast of 60 third graders spent many hours working on their roles and lines in the play.
"The students have been working on their lines since January, when we started doing "read alouds" in the classroom," said Uchino.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Kahewai travels abound the world meeting new friends from as far away as Alaska, Norway, India, China, Japan, Mexico, Australia.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
A group of Panda Bears greeted Kahewai as she made her way through China.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Kahewai and Mother Honu make their way home to Hawaii.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
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Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Momilani Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Doreen Higa (right) pictured with 3rd grade cast member and his Dad after a great performance.
There are many individuals who came together to make the play a success. Mahalo to Principal Higa for her support of the Momilani Elementary School's Drama Program.
Mahalo to the Momilani PTSA, the Artistic and Production Crew, volunteers, family and friends.
Congratulations to Mr. Masaru Uchino, Mrs. Leona Uyesato and the very talented Momilani 3rd grade performers.
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Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]