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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance announced its 62nd production season at Kennedy Theatre, featuring a mix of original works, cultural celebration and student-driven innovation. The season will kick off in November with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Center for Philippine Studies at UH Mānoa.
Mainstage Season
- Dancing in the Diaspora (November 14–23, 2025)
- Panji and the Lost Princess (April 17–26, 2026), brings Balinese wayang listrik—giant electric shadow puppetry—to life.
Prime Time Series in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre
- The Yellow Boat by David Saar (September 24–28, 2025), a heartfelt, imaginative tale directed by MFA candidate Emmanuel Mante
- Dolls: A Toy Story (October 22–26, 2025), a world premiere musical by MFA candidate Alison Bruce-Maldonado set in a 1940s toy store against the backdrop of segregation and war.
- MFA/BFA Dance Concert (January 28–February 1, 2026) will feature original choreography by graduating students
- Lele Wale (March 4–8, 2026), a Hana Keaka production by MFA candidate Ikaika Mendez, will honor the resilience of the Lahaina community following the 2023 wildfires.
Late Night Series
- 友達 [Friends] by Abe Kōbō (November 15–22, 2025) reimagines the absurdist comedy as a live sitcom taping complete with jazz band.
- Late Night Tech Takeover – A Night of One-Act Plays (April 18–25, 2026) features two fast-paced one-act plays that pull back the curtain on backstage mayhem.
To learn more about the upcoming season, visit Kennedy Theatre.
