THE STORY: The setting is an austere waiting room in a New York hospital, where Lillian Hellman awaits the death of her longtime companion, Dashiell Hammett. As she maintains her vigil, Miss Hellman's mind is flooded with memories: her exciting but tempestuous years with Hammett; her girlhood in New Orleans and New York; reminiscences of her beloved parents; and her days of success and failure as an artist and a public figure committed to liberal causes (some of which brought her into sharp conflict with the powers-that-be). With occasional pauses to peer into the adjoining (offstage) sick room, she recalls the people and incidents that shaped her life—glittering figures from the worlds of Hollywood and the New York theatre, literary giants who were both friends and foes, and dearly loved personal associates like her black nanny, Sophronia, who perhaps more than any other, helped her to gain her burning social consciousness. In the end the play is both a tour de force for an accomplished actress, and also a vital, fascinating, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always compelling portrait of a remarkable woman—and artist—whose contributions both to the theatre and the conscience of our nation will never be forgotten.

THE STORY: The setting is an austere waiting room in a New York hospital, where Lillian Hellman awaits the death of her longtime companion, Dashiell Hammett. As she maintains her vigil, Miss Hellman's mind is flooded with memories: her exciting but tempestuous years with Hammett; her girlhood in New Orleans and New York; reminiscences of her beloved parents; and her days of success and failure as an artist and a public figure committed to liberal causes (some of which brought her into sharp conflict with the powers-that-be). With occasional pauses to peer into the adjoining (offstage) sick room, she recalls the people and incidents that shaped her life—glittering figures from the worlds of Hollywood and the New York theatre, literary giants who were both friends and foes, and dearly loved personal associates like her black nanny, Sophronia, who perhaps more than any other, helped her to gain her burning social consciousness. In the end the play is both a tour de force for an accomplished actress, and also a vital, fascinating, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always compelling portrait of a remarkable woman—and artist—whose contributions both to the theatre and the conscience of our nation will never be forgotten.

THE STORY: The setting is an austere waiting room in a New York hospital, where Lillian Hellman awaits the death of her longtime companion, Dashiell Hammett. As she maintains her vigil, Miss Hellman's mind is flooded with memories: her exciting but tempestuous years with Hammett; her girlhood in New Orleans and New York; reminiscences of her beloved parents; and her days of success and failure as an artist and a public figure committed to liberal causes (some of which brought her into sharp conflict with the powers-that-be). With occasional pauses to peer into the adjoining (offstage) sick room, she recalls the people and incidents that shaped her life—glittering figures from the worlds of Hollywood and the New York theatre, literary giants who were both friends and foes, and dearly loved personal associates like her black nanny, Sophronia, who perhaps more than any other, helped her to gain her burning social consciousness. In the end the play is both a tour de force for an accomplished actress, and also a vital, fascinating, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always compelling portrait of a remarkable woman—and artist—whose contributions both to the theatre and the conscience of our nation will never be forgotten.

Directed by Reiko Ho

A devised theatre project exploring Asian Identity in Hawaiʻi and America

“What does it mean to be Asian in 2022?” Faced with the rise of Anti-Asian hate crimes and the continuing need for representation and voice, guest director Reiko Ho leads students on a deep dive into Asian American history in Hawaiʻi and the continent to create a multi-media theatrical performance. The show will feature poems by “da Pidgin Guerrilla,” Lee Tonouchi and may include original student monologues, scenes, spoken word, video, dance, and music.

This production explores adult themes and includes strong language and references to racism and racial slurs. Please note: this production may include flashing lights and fog effects.

A post-show Q&A with the cast will be offered after every performance for audience members to attend.

Directed by Reiko Ho

A devised theatre project exploring Asian Identity in Hawaiʻi and America

“What does it mean to be Asian in 2022?” Faced with the rise of Anti-Asian hate crimes and the continuing need for representation and voice, guest director Reiko Ho leads students on a deep dive into Asian American history in Hawaiʻi and the continent to create a multi-media theatrical performance. The show will feature poems by “da Pidgin Guerrilla,” Lee Tonouchi and may include original student monologues, scenes, spoken word, video, dance, and music.

This production explores adult themes and includes strong language and references to racism and racial slurs. Please note: this production may include flashing lights and fog effects.

A post-show Q&A with the cast will be offered after every performance for audience members to attend.

Directed by Reiko Ho

A devised theatre project exploring Asian Identity in Hawaiʻi and America

“What does it mean to be Asian in 2022?” Faced with the rise of Anti-Asian hate crimes and the continuing need for representation and voice, guest director Reiko Ho leads students on a deep dive into Asian American history in Hawaiʻi and the continent to create a multi-media theatrical performance. The show will feature poems by “da Pidgin Guerrilla,” Lee Tonouchi and may include original student monologues, scenes, spoken word, video, dance, and music.

This production explores adult themes and includes strong language and references to racism and racial slurs. Please note: this production may include flashing lights and fog effects.

A post-show Q&A with the cast will be offered after every performance for audience members to attend.

Directed by Reiko Ho

A devised theatre project exploring Asian Identity in Hawaiʻi and America

“What does it mean to be Asian in 2022?” Faced with the rise of Anti-Asian hate crimes and the continuing need for representation and voice, guest director Reiko Ho leads students on a deep dive into Asian American history in Hawaiʻi and the continent to create a multi-media theatrical performance. The show will feature poems by “da Pidgin Guerrilla,” Lee Tonouchi and may include original student monologues, scenes, spoken word, video, dance, and music.

This production explores adult themes and includes strong language and references to racism and racial slurs. Please note: this production may include flashing lights and fog effects.

A post-show Q&A with the cast will be offered after every performance for audience members to attend.