Families can explore the history and culture of China at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center’s new exhibit while learning lessons about virtues such as friendship, resourcefulness, loyalty and teamwork.
"Monkey King: A Story from China," on display through Nov. 30, tells the tale of a disobedient monkey who picks up wisdom on his quest to save the day.
"MONKEY KING: A STORY FROM CHINA"
» Where: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, 111 Ohe St.
» When: Through Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
» Admission: $10; $8 kamaaina and military. Children under 12 months old are free.
» Call: 524-5437
» On the Net: www.discoverycenterhawaii.org
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"(In Chinese folklore) the Monkey King is equivalent to our Superman," said Liane Usher, president of Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. "He’s their superhero in epic novels of how Buddhism came from India to China."
Children visiting the traveling exhibit can mimic the antics of the monkey. At times he’s naughty and mischievous, as displayed in the "Monkey Spoils the Banquet" exhibit piece.
Children can join the monkey beneath the table to wreak havoc on the royal Chinese feast. By turning knobs and moving levers under the table, they can make wooden fish wiggle and rattle dishes and cups. Keiki will delight at the ability to peek out from underneath a plate of buns, poking their heads through the table to see their parents’ reactions.
A traditional shadow puppet theater lets families tell their own story with Monkey King and Jade Emperor puppets.
Another station lets kids dress up as the Monkey King.
Teamwork is emphasized as kids must work together to succeed at a maze challenge.
Each section of the exhibit has multisensory, interactive components that teach motor and cognitive skills, Usher explained.
"Children will journey through this timeless adventure story as if on their own quest," Usher said. "Many of the challenges encountered by Monkey King on his quest can be applied to our own lives."
Usher said although Monkey has "incredible supernatural powers," he is a relatable hero.
"He offends lots of people. When punished, he’s asked to serve as protector for the monk who traveled from China to India to bring back Buddhism. The story stresses the importance of good behavior," she said.
The center plans to have arts and crafts activities centered on the shadow puppets.
"We chose this exhibit because one of our core initiatives is celebrating culture. … They are learning about China in a fun and entertaining way," Usher said.
