“Pohaku” represents Christopher K. Morgan’s first choreographed work that incorporates his Native Hawaiian background and its cultural traditions along with his modern dance training. PHOTO BY BRIAN S. ALLARD.

KAHULUI – The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents the Maui premiere of the dance theater work “Pohaku” by Christopher K. Morgan & Artists in the Castle Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.

Performing live with Morgan are Kumu Hula Elsie Kaleihulukea Ryder of Halau Hula o Kukunaokala and classically trained electric cellist Wytold.

“Pohaku” is a dance theater piece bringing together storytelling, hula, modern dance, classical music and projection design to explore compelling universal themes in the story of Hawaii’s native people, including land loss and fractured identity.

The work incorporates Morgan’s own stories that are relevant to Hawaii’s living culture from the perspective of a first-generation part-Hawaiian born and raised in California as a result of Hawaiian out-migration that continues today.

This premiere of “Pohaku” represents the culmination of the MACC’s first performing arts residency, which took place over two weeks last summer. A work-in-progress preview performance of “Pohaku” was held for the public in the Castle Theater at the conclusion of Morgan’s residency.

Tickets are $35; call 242-SHOW or visit www.MauiArts.org.