Discover a world of imagination, where music, movement, and art reveal the beauty and wonder of some of our planet’s most extraordinary animals.
Making its World Premiere on Friday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 19 at 3:00 p.m. at the historic Hawaiʻi Theatre, Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a visually stunning interdisciplinary performance inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns' beloved Carnival of the Animals and an original companion work by composer Stephanie Ann Boyd.
Presented by Ocean Music Action in partnership with Hawaiʻi Theatre Center, the production brings together internationally recognized artists and leading local creatives in a one-of-a-kind collaboration. New choreography by Dance Heginbotham, performed by dancers of Ballet Hawaiʻi, is paired with live chamber music and larger-than-life puppetry by Obie Award- winning puppeteer Greg Corbino, creating an immersive theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Original poetry by local students is woven throughout the performance and brought to life by acclaimed Hawaiʻi storyteller and actor Moses Goods. Bringing together internationally recognized artists and leading local creatives, Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a feast for the senses and an inspiring celebration of the natural world—an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Friday evening ticket holders are invited to arrive early for a pre-performance conversation featuring local experts discussing the animals highlighted in the production. Saturday afternoon audiences can enjoy a family-friendly instrument petting zoo and hands-on art-making activities before the performance.
About Ocean Music Action
Ocean Music Action is a nonprofit organization that brings together musicians, artists, scientists, educators, and community partners to inspire connection with the natural world through innovative artistic experiences. Through performances, educational programming, and community engagement, Ocean Music Action creates opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience the beauty of nature through music and art, while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and stewardship of our shared resources.
The Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals performances are the centerpiece of a month-long series of events across Oʻahu developed in collaboration with leading cultural, educational, and conservation organizations. Programs include performances at local libraries, Community Sunday at the Honolulu Museum of Art, nature journaling at Mānoa Heritage Center, volunteer stewardship opportunities with Aloha Tree Alliance and Mālama Maunalua, and educational events at the Bishop Museum and East-West Center. Visit oceanmusicaction.org to learn more.
About Moses Goods
In a career spanning 30 years Moses Goods has become one of Hawaiʻi’s most prominent actors on both screen and stage. Currently he can be seen on Apple TV portraying the role of Moku on the award-winning series “Chief of War.” Moses has also had recurring guest star roles on RESCUE HI-Surf, “NCIS Hawai’i” and the MARVEL series “Inhumans.”
On stage he has written and performed a vast body of work all strongly rooted in Native Hawaiian culture and perspective. Several of his plays have toured extensively including “DUKE” a portrayal of the life of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. His most recent play “Joseph Kekuku and the voice of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar” will begin touring nationally this October.
Moses is the founder and artistic director of INAMONA, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Native Hawaiian stories by providing resources in film, storytelling and theatrical arts to the community.