Late Night: Aloha - The Art of Storytelling

Friday 8 November, 19.00 - 22.00  

Book your free ticket

Please note that entry is via the South Door on Robinson Close, off South Parks Road.

Join us for Pitt Rivers Museum's Late Night: Aloha - The Art of Storytelling and enjoy an evening of creativity and connection.

Embrace the Spirit of Aloha

Aloha is a profound concept that transcends its common recognition as a simple greeting or farewell and its Western commercialisation. It embodies a way of life, a philosophy that centres on our interconnectedness with nature and all living things in the Hawaiian universe.

As Manaola Yap, a Hawaiian fashion designer and cultural practitioner, beautifully expresses: "Aloha is about our storytelling, our connectivity to nature, and the understanding that everything in our universe is a part of us and we are a part of it." This exchange allows Indigenous artists and all people to share, receive and engage in Aloha, underlining the shared responsibility we have toward each other and our environment. Aloha teaches us that even those who are not Hawaiian can partake in this embrace, as it represents a full acceptance of ourselves and our place in the universe. It reminds us that while we are but small parts of a vast cosmos, our actions and connections matter. Join us for an enchanting evening as we explore these themes through the art of storytelling, weaving together voices from different backgrounds to create a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange.

Event Highlights

Hula and 'Ori Tahiti Dance Workshops

Immerse yourself in dance with our hands-on workshops led by skilled instructors from the London School of Hula and 'Ori. Whether you're a novice or looking to improve your technique, there's a session for you!

Film Screening: Tales of Tusitala

In this compelling short film, four students at the National University of Samoa investigate the legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson. Join a post-screening Q&A session with filmmaker Dan Lin and scholars Michelle Keown and Shari Sabeti from the Remediating Robert Louis Stevenson in the Pacific project. For more information on this talk, see The Tales of Tusitala: Robert Louis Stevenson in the Pacific.

Community Art Workshop with Solomon Enos

Join esteemed Hawaiian artist Solomon Enos in creating a collaborative artwork that celebrates Hawaiian quilting and storytelling traditions. All materials provided!

Translating Tolkien

Have you ever wondered what Gollum or Gandalf would sound like speaking Hawaiian? Or if's possible to translate elvish into Hawaiian? Join Dr Keao NeSmith to hear how he translated J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit (and other well-known classics) into Hawaiian. For more information on this talk, see Translating Tolkien.

Immerse Yourself in Culture:

Robert Louis Stevenson and Princess Ka'iulani Poetry Corner

Engage with the historical relationship between Robert Louis Stevenson and Princess Ka'iulani through literature. Receive a complimentary block print featuring Stevenson's poem dedicated to the princess.

Pop-Up Shop: Kapa & Barkcloth Jewellery by Pūko’a Studios

Explore our exciting pop-up shop featuring stunning kapa (barkcloth) jewellery created by Pūko’a Studios, founded by Native Hawaiian artist Page Chang. Committed to perpetuating Hawaiian culture with authenticity and integrity, Pūko’a Studios emphasizes sustainability by observing the Hawaiian values of aloha ‘āina (loving the earth), mālama ‘āina (caring for the earth), and ike kupuna (honoring ancestral knowledge). This family-run business not only strives to reduce its environmental footprint but also educates the community about these vital practices and values. Using native Hawaiian plants and sustainable growing practices, each piece is crafted to reflect these principles. When native materials are not available, only natural, organic, and locally sourced materials are utilized, ensuring ethical production and shipping practices.

Curated Music and Tap Social Bar

Enjoy a soundtrack of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander music throughout the evening, whilst enjoying drinks from the Tap Social Bar!

Free but booking required. Book your free ticket here.