International Night
Video of the performance by the UH Hilo Tupulaga o Samoan Club can be found on youtube at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5Qq9y4ZLA
Written By Everett Mckee
Are you a world traveller? Do you have the fire and or desire to immerse yourself “in the shoes” of others? On this planet there are 196 different countries that span over 196.9 million sq miles on this planet of earth that each human being calls home. As the population of earth stretches past 7 billion people, various distinctions between individuals take shape to mold the future. So how does one get a chance to start exploring new cultures? The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s International Night is one of the few chances that those who are budget limited have to seeing the world. This two night event had only standing room as even performers who finished flocked into any free space to watch other performances.
Apollo Harris, a student has has been working at the theatre for the past three years had only great things to say about the this years performances. “International night was great as always!” Going on about the level of ecstaticism from the crowds, “we actually got a complaint that there were no standards [in the theatre] because of people yelling, Cheehuu,” said Harris.
Although there are those who would see these antics as rude, the overall attitude of the program itself was well received by many. “This is one of the most involved shows and it's so laid back and everyone has a great time” said Harris. One of the more noted thoughts Harris had talked about was how “in America there is no cultural practices like this”. What was implied is that America is a collective country made up of many different cultures. And that there is not a signified dance that could represent all of America.
UH Hilo Student employee at the (UH Hilo) Theatre, Apollo Harris. Photo taken by reporter, Everett McKee.
Suzie Lippwe, a student performer of the Chuukese Club expressed her anxiety as well as excitement over her groups performance. “I couldn’t imagine myself on the day of performance. With lots of spotlights on us. oh my gosh the stage fright is what gets to me”. As her group was unable to view the other performances because preparations for their own. “To learn our dance we had those who knew them teach it to the rest of the group” Said Lippwe. Their group consisted of about 30 students who all began rehearsing since the turn of the new year. Overall sentiments towards her group came with outstanding reviews from crowd members. This was one memorable night to be apart of.
UH Hilo Chuukese Club student performer, Suzie Lippwe. Photo taken by reporter, Everett Mckee.
International Nights shows are available for purchase ($10 per DVD) just in case you missed the spectacular event. For more information on purchasing DVD’s you may contact the International Student Services office at (808) 932-7467. Some performances can also been seen on the UH Hilo International Student Association YouTube channel. For more information go to the UH Hilo international association website at http://hilo.hawaii.edu/international/
