Inside the Pillow Lab: Peter Rockford Espiritu and Roberta Uno

During his residency, Peter Rockford Espiritu developed "Waihona Kino (Body Archive)," drawing from his corporeal archive and the deep memories held within. Waihona Kino is Espirituʻs journey towards Pōhuli, the unique movement modality through which he has artistically reflected on the impact of what Oceania was, what it has become and where it is headed. In this dance, Espiritu not only pays tribute to Earnest Morgan, a mentor and friend, but also lifts up Morganʻs historical contribution to the formation of contemporary dance in Hawai’i. Morgan, a Native Hawaiian and African American artist, is also part of a long, but often forgotten or overlooked cultural legacy of Blacks in Hawai’i. This solo project was created in collaboration with Roberta Uno, who is a theater director, dramaturg, haumana of Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, and co-leader of the NYC hālau extension Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima o Nuioka. Dates: Feb 12-23, 2025 Directed and produced by Nel Shelby Productions. The 2024-2025 Pillow Labs received lead support from: The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation © 2024 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Inc.