The Prison Songs of Lili‘uokalani

When:
February 3, 2020 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
2020-02-03T19:00:00-10:00
2020-02-03T20:30:00-10:00
Where:
Lyman Museum
276 Haili Street
Hilo Hawaii 96720

Typewritten Queen's Prayer_smallEvening Presentation:

For more than a century, the original manuscripts to seven of Queen Lili‘uokalani’s original songs have been kept under lock and key at the Hawai‘i State Archives.  This singular presentation—by musicologist Cynthia Morris—finally brings to light these poignant songs, composed by Lili‘uokalani during her incarceration at ‘Iolani Palace from February to September 1895.  Although the Provisional Government destroyed the Queen’s personal papers and journals from the beginning of her reign to the end of her incarceration, her prison songs stand as important contemporaneous testimonials, composed in the midst of turbulence and upheaval.  They are songs of resistance, hope, spiritual protest, and subversion.  As all art does, these mele provide us with valuable insights into the mind, soul, and spirit of the artist—in this case, a dethroned and imprisoned Queen, still actively engaged in a fight for the sovereignty of her native lands.  Share in this rare historical perspective on your choice of two occasions:  Monday evening, February 3, or the following afternoon, February 4.

Admission to these wonderful programs is free to Museum members, and $3.00 for nonmembers.  Please support the Museum by becoming a member, and enjoy all Saigo Series programs, all year round, at no charge!  Seating is limited; first come, first seated.  ON MONDAY EVENINGS ONLY, additional parking is available next door at Hilo Union School, Kapiolani St. entrance; park, then walk through our green gate in the rock wall

On Monday evenings, doors open at 6:30PM.  E komo mai!

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