Volcanic Energy Powers Hawaiian Dance Suite

A mythic odyssey that ends in a battle between the forces of creation and destruction becomes the subject of the “Dance in America” series tonight when the Halau O Kekuhi company of Hilo dances “Holo Mai Pele” (Pele Travels) on PBS.

The company appeared locally in 1999, performing the historical epic “Kamehameha,” and once again the mix of traditional Hawaiian chant, throaty singing, powerful percussion and the hula establish a profound connection to a rich cultural legacy.

But the company does not so much dramatize its stories as ritually invoke them, so it is very helpful that director and co-producer Catherine Tatge inserts synopses and explanations between performance segments.

Moreover, director of photography Tom Hurwitz captures enough of the beauty and volcanic energy of Hawaii’s landscape to anchor the narrative in nature imagery.

Pualani Kanaka’ole Kanahele and her sister Nalani Kanaka’ole, who run the Halau O Kekuhi school and company, created “Holo Mai Pele” as a tale of sisterly conflict: Pele, the volcano goddess, versus Hi’iaka, goddess of renewal. Much of the narrative concerns the latter’s growing sense of empowerment, but Pele’s wrath is impressively demonstrated in one of the most forceful ensemble dances.

A largely vocal rite of resurrection may be the most solemn passage in the one-hour telecast, but soon after, a suite of charming courtship dances displays another facet of hula expression. Throughout, the dances reinforce community solidarity and, in the final sequence, offer a timely lesson about restraining conflicts.

Shot onstage in Honolulu a year ago, the production boasts a rich array of costumes and artful lighting. Picture and sound clarity remain exceptional. Moreover, many of the song texts are translated via subtitles, so the crucial connection between text and movement that informs all Polynesian dance is transmitted to a wider audience without intruding on the performance itself.

In all, a remarkably sensitive treatment of a challenging project.

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“Holo Mai Pele” airs tonight at 9 on KCET-TV.