KILAUEA — Live theater is back on the North Shore tonight with a new original play by Rhonda Moore.
Moore’s directorial debut will be for “The Things We Did Before We Killed God,” which will be featured in the Art is God Showcase.
The showcase, which will start at 6 p.m. tonight, will also feature visual art, dance, dance, and poetry at Common Ground in Kilauea, with doors opening an hour before showtime.
The show will move to Anahola Marketplace on Jan. 12 for a one-night event. The venue is outdoors and covered.
Moore is ready for the return of performance art. A seasoned performer, slam poet and organizer, Moore hasn’t been able to get on stage since the pandemic shuttered theatres.
For Moore, art is essential, especially now in these divisive times.
“I feel like the reason my art is so important, is because art reflects in an honest way what we’re all going through and how are all being affected,” Moore said.
As a psychologist, Moore has seen a lot of what people are going through the pandemic and is grateful to be able to bring the showcase to the community along with her cast and crew.
On Thursday evening, at Common Ground, the Art is God cast and crew ran their second to last dress rehearsals. Actors were running lines, dancers were refining choreography, and technicians hung lights. The play, while dark at times, was punctuated by the laughter and joy of the team that put it together. Some actors spoke of nerves, but still, the excitement of the opening night buzzed.
With the current COVID surge, everyone is eager to get to opening night knowing that things can quickly change in the current climate.
“Is a grassroots project, and we just have to put our heart and soul into it and hope that we can get it out there,” Moore said.
Patrons without proof of vaccine are required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of the event. Rapid testing will be available at the venue for $20.
Tickets are $35 on Eventbrite, at Kai Bar Kilauea, at The Womb Bookstore in Wailua, and may be available at the door for $40, depending on availability.
There will also be African Caribbean food available for purchase.
More information: artisgodshowcase.eventbrite.com.
