"Kahekili," a hula drama about Maui's influential ruling chief, will get its world premiere at 7:30 p.m. today at Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

The production brings together the artistry of kumu hula Hokulani Holt and her halau Pa'u O Hi'iaka, and kumu Keali'i Reichel and Pali Ahue, in a cultural and historical exploration and demonstration — through hula kahiko (traditional hula), Hawaiian martial arts, dramatic narration and elements of Hawaiian culture not traditionally shared on stage.

Kahekili is not widely known because his reign was at a time when Hawaiian culture was rooted in the oral tradition.

The show was staged in New York City in September, and The New York Times noted, "the dances ... carried plenty of cultural information that stays in the mind."

Tickets are $10, $25 and $40, with half-price admission for children 12 and younger.

Call the box office, 808-242-7469, or go to http://www.mauiarts.org.