'PELE' - The Goddess of Fire

"Pele – The Goddess of Fire" tells the story of the legendary Hawaiian deity Pele, who falls into a deep sleep and dreams of Prince Lohiauʻipo of Kauaʻi. When she wakes, she sends her sister, Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, to bring the Prince back to her. But as time passes, Pele grows impatient and suspicious — setting off a chain of events filled with emotion, tension, and transformation.

This production brings one of Hawaiʻi’s most powerful stories to life through Hawaiian hula, contemporary movement, and storytelling. It’s a work that speaks to the strength of women, the complexity of sisterhood, and the power of Pacific stories passed down through generations.

About Aruna Po-Ching
Aruna Po-Ching began her creative career in 1990 with Auckland’s Pacific Theatre Company. She has worked across film, television, theatre, and music in both Aotearoa and Australia. In 1998, she became a professional Polynesian dancer, forming the dance company Pasifika Sway, and performing in events like Bodies, Biennale, and Pacific Wave.

In 2010, Aruna founded Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie – the first officially recognised hula school in Aotearoa. Her hālau has taught Hawaiian hula through classes, cultural exchange programmes, and performances at festivals including Tempo Dance Festival, Short and Sweet, and the Pacific Arts Festival.

A graduate in Documentary Directing and Screenwriting, Aruna’s film Salamasina’s Daughters has screened at Doc Edge, Wairoa, FIFO, and Polywood Film Festival. She is currently in post-production for her debut feature-length documentary and developing two drama features and a TV pilot.