Arts & Culture

Friday, March 31. Many religions around the world venerate physical objects because of their connection with particular beings or events. A collection of sacred Buddhist relics, including jewel-like objects said to be the remains of the Buddha, will soon be on public view in Hawai’i. There is no charge for the viewing, though donations will be accepted for the Maitreya Project, an effort to build a statue to house the relics and create medical, educational and economic opportunities in India. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa spoke with the relics’ custodian. Runs 3:34.

Thursday, March 30. The Hawai’I International Film Festival’s Spring Showcase has quadrupled since its inception as it fulfills its mission of presenting worthy films largely unavailable at other times of the year. For a week beginning this Friday, an international mix of films, including works from Spain, Australia, South Africa, and the Philippines, will screen at the Dole Cannery Theaters. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa tales a look at what’s in store. Runs 4:00.

Tuesday, March 28. The Honolulu Symphony has been enjoying a season of dynamic diversity, and this weekend, the HSO will continue that trend with genre-crossing artist, Elvis Costello. After emerging in punk/pop circles, Costello worked with artists ranging from T-Bone Burnett and the Brodsky Quartet, to collaborations with his wife, jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa takes a look at the pieces Costello will be performing this weekend in Honolulu. Runs 4:00.

Friday, March 24. Nearly 30 thousand Samoan and part Samoans live across the state of Hawai’i. They enjoy a vibrant cultural life through extended families, churches, and community events. An intimate view of Samoan family life is the subject of the latest play in Kumu Kahua’s 35th anniversary season. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers a look at “The Songmaker’s Chair”, which reveals experiences both unique and universal among first and second generation Samoans in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Runs 3:31.

Thursday, March 23. The Republic of Indonesia has the 4th largest population in the world, on an archipelago stretching between Australia and the Philippines. Here on O’ahu, with only about 300 members, the Indonesian community is just beginning to pull together and this week, films, performances, and an art gallery exhibit highlight the cultures and changing face of this Southeast Asian country. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa spoke with two members of a sponsoring group, the Indonesian Students Association. Runs 3:06.

Tuesday, March 21. Hawaii Craftsmen is a statewide organization which sustains the highest standards of craftsmanship through it’s members’ work in clay, glass, wood, metal, fiber, and mixed media. Founded 60 years ago, Hawai’i Craftsmen is noted for quality, exhibitions and programs, including their leadership of the Arts at Mark’s Garage. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa spoke with David Marks, an art furniture maker, who will be in town this week for the annual `Aha Hana Lima workshops. Runs 3:21.

Friday, March 17. Earlier this week, Contra Bass master, Francois Rabbath, recieved one of the worlds most prestigous honors in musical education: The American String Teachers Association International Award. His commitment to his students and to his instrument, the uprght acoustic bass, is legendary. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers a preview of the classes and concert he will present for next weeks Hawai’i Contrabass Festival. Runs 3:35.

Thursday, March 16. Ann Hamilton is one of America’s most important working artists. Honored with numerous awards including the MacArthur Fellowship, she represented the U.S. at the prestigous 1999 Venice Biennale. Originally a fiber artist, she works now in diverse media including video, creating site specific installations around the globe. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa spoke with her from her studio in Ohio as she prepares for a lecture at UH Manoa Next Week. Runs 3:46.

Friday, March 10. Storyteller Brenda Wong-Aoki and Bassist Mark Izu have won national and international acclaim for riveting performances in music and theatre. Based in San Francisco, they offer a multicltural mix of jazz, performance art, dance and story. Next week they will tour the islands in a special program featuring Togi Suenobu, a master of Japanese court music. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers this look at their upcoming performances. Runs 3:35.

Thursday, March 9. The Honolulu Theater for Youth is staging a power packed hip hop version of Othello, Shakespeare’s classic tale of jealousy and betrayal. In Y York’s cogent adaptation, 4 characters enact the tragedy of a hero manipulated through his own insecurities. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa offers this view of the action. Runs: 3:00.