Karen Valasek as Dr. Sarah Emerson, Hawaii’s first licensed female physician.

LAHAINA – History Theatre returns for two new performances on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The performances will be held in the Waiola Church Graveyard at 535 Wainee St. in Lahaina.

History Theatre takes us back to our shared history, allowing us to “meet” people who have influenced Hawaiian history and hear their stories. Through extensive research and thorough documentation, the scripts are crafted to be an intimate and engaging way to learn about our past. Many times these scripts actually use the person’s own words. In the 1800s, landscaped graveyards often served as public parks and popular picnic areas, which makes this production of History Theater true to its time period.

Featured in this performance are Rev. William Richards, who served as a special envoy to Britain and the United States for the Hawaiian Kingdom; Dr. Sarah Emerson, who was the first female licensed physician in Hawaii; and Hali’a, who will give a harrowing first person account of the smallpox epidemic of 1853.

The dramatic portrayals will take place concurrently, with groups of 30 audience members rotating between each actor. Light pupus are included with admission. Free parking is available onsite.

Attendance is limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Tickets are $30 per person in advance and are on sale at www.lahainarestoration.org or by calling Lahaina Restoration Foundation at (808) 661-3262. Remaining tickets will be sold at the event for $40 per person. Purchase tickets early, as the last History Theatre quickly sold out.

History Theatre is brought to you by a partnership between LRF and Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives. The performances are hosted by Waiola Church. Funding for History Theatre is provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Community Enrichment Program.

Contact LRF at (808) 661-3262, e-mail info@lahainarestoration.org or visit www.lahainarestoration.org for tickets and information on Lahaina’s historic sites and upcoming events.