Budget cuts could mean curtains
for Kumu Kahua Theatre

Kumu Kahua Theatre, a fixture in Honolulu’s Downtown Arts District and longtime home for local, original stage productions, released a notice on Dec. 17 warning that after 40 years, its spring production, “Da Kine Space,” may be its last.

According to the theater’s artistic director, Harry Wong, deep cuts in state funding through the past two years precipitated a financial crisis. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts grant to the theater was cut by an additional 60 percent in 2010.

The nonprofit community theatre was started in 1971 by University of Hawaii Theatre Professor Dennis Carroll who intended it to be a venue to share experimental works by Hawaii playwrights. Under Wong's direction, it has continued to showcase plays written and acted out by some of Hawaii's most talented artisans.

The theater has implemented cost-cutting measures and the first rise in ticket prices in 10 years, but the money squeeze could cause the organization to close its doors in February.

"We are also looking for new funding sources by seeking sponsorships for our productions, increasing group and school sales and expanding our board to include dedicated people who have access to funding revenue," the organization says on its donation web page. "If you know of any granting organizations to which we may apply or if you can personally help us raise money, please let us know. We need to raise a substantial amount of money in order to insure the long-term survival of the theatre."