Nahale Apiki Brash is a young kānaka performer, creative, and artivist (artistic activist) originally from Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi. You may have seen his work in past productions at Punahou School, including Hadestown and Lion King Jr. His choreography journey in the Hawaiʻi theater industry started with Lisa Matsumoto’s Happily Eva Afta with Mānoa Valley Theatre (MVT). The last time audiences may have seen him on stage was during the beginning of Lisa’s Trilogy with MVT in 2021–2022 or in exhibitions with his dance crew YTP (Yes to Purpose).

He is deeply passionate about dance foundations, which serve as the core of his values as both an educator and performer. He is trained in classical techniques including ballet and contemporary, as well as street styles such as hip hop, break, waacking, and voguing, along with hula training through Hālau Hula ʻO Kekela in Lāʻie. Nahale has worked professionally as a dancer and actor in the entertainment industry for eight years.

He studied at a private performing arts college and graduated with a BFA in Commercial Dance, later working in Los Angeles for five years. Living on the continent inspired him to further perpetuate his culture, especially as the only kānaka maoli / islander in his school. Through PSA videos, concept films, essays, and presentations, he used every opportunity to educate others about Hawaiʻi and the impacts of tourism and cultural displacement.

Nahale has always used his understanding of culture and performance to tell stories that are often unheard. He hopes to continue being a voice for his people while helping tell this new story of hope. “The stories of our ancestors are not simply tales of the past; they are a guide for the present and a roadmap for the future.” — From A Native Daughter, Haunani K. Trask.