Explore a remarkable and significant period in Hawaii’s history in “PANIOLO Stories and Songs from the Hawaiian Cowboy,” Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s newest production premiering Friday at Tenney Theatre.

“This season (of HTY) is all about telling ‘our stories,’ and (that) there was a cowboy culture in Hawaii long before the American West is one of those special pieces of history we can be very proud of,” said HTY artistic director and “PANIOLO” director Eric Johnson.

The production features Hawaiian storyteller Moses Goods and Hawaiian singer-­songwriter Kapono Na‘ili‘ili. The two performers bring to life the hardships and humor of paniolo life, through traditional and original songs and stories, like Ikua Purdy winning the 1908 World Roping Championship and the arrival of the first cow, showing how the traditions continue to shape contemporary life in the islands.

“I think the paniolo are an example of how Hawaiians found ways to relate to the natural environment and express their love for the natural world,” Johnson said. “Who doesn’t dream of horses and campfires and cowboy singing?”

“PANIOLO STORIES AND SONGS FROM THE HAWAIIAN COWBOY”

Presented by Honolulu Theatre for Youth

>> Where: Tenney Theatre, The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 229 Queen Emma Square

>> When: 7 p.m. Friday, also 4:30 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 17; sensory friendly/ASL performance and “HTY for Every Family Pay-What-You-Can” performance at 11 a.m. Nov. 17

>> Cost: $10 to $20 (ages 7 and older)

>> Info: 839-9885, htyweb.org