We had a great time catching up with TEDxMaui 2013 performer Rachel Deboer, President of Maui based Next Level Theater Productions, a team of dedicated performers, filmmakers and photographers who create stunning and transcendent black light shows based on ancient cultural and mythological stories from around the world.
Stay tuned for more Speaker Spotlights from our amazing TEDxMaui 2013 presenters as we get closer to our event on Sunday, January 13.
What drives you to do the work you do?
It’s what I was born to do… make the private emotional, spiritual and social events that shape human beings public, so we can transcend ourselves through performance art and create a better destiny for us all.
Share one personal experience or relevant anecdote that informs your TEDx talk?
I’ve always loved the magical aspect of black light, and since we are doing a performance art version of the Hawaiian mythological tale ‘Hina and The Moon, I feel that this is the perfect medium to showcase the mystical glow of the dark properties of the moon, and the mystery of its power. I celebrate the moon all the time at Full Moon Gatherings. The power of the moon keeps the human capacity to dream alive. I thought it would be relevant to introduce a magical version of the story of ‘Hina, Goddess of the Moon to TEDx. People can relate to her journey of ascension to the moon. How many times have we all wished we could walk on the moon? Well, she does.
How are you or your topic connected to Maui or Hawaiʻi?
We are presenting a story of ‘Hina and the Moon. The demigod Hina is the mother of Maui, and also the goddess of the moon. We present the story of how she ascends the night’s rainbow to the moon through magical black light illusions and Hawaiian mele (chant and hula).
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Learn to let go of things that don’t serve you more quickly.
What advice would your younger self, give to the older you?
Stretch more.
What do the TED Talks mean to you? Do you have a favorite talk that speaks to you?
TED talks are the epitome of public dialogue about making this world, and our lives in it, a better place. I love TED talks about how to make the brain more creative and what makes relationships tick. I also love self analytical talks that reflect the audience’s questions back to themselves.