This Friday, for one night only, the Seattle Historical Theater Project is coming to West Seattle for a free performance of “friends over the wires“, which producer Tamara Bunell explains, “is an original play that explores the impact of World War II Japanese-American imprisonment on young people in Seattle.” The production tours the region, and the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) 7:30pm performance on Friday (April 7th) is a late addition to the schedule so they want to be sure it gets known. Here is the announcement:
Seattle Historical Theater Project presents
FRIENDS ACROSS THE LINES
The Seattle Historical Theater Project is pleased to announce upcoming tour details in West Seattle for their theatrical production of Friends Across the Wires, an original play exploring the impact of World War II Japanese-American imprisonment on young people in Seattle.
The play follows best friends Kiyoko and Peggy, students at Seattle’s Broadway High School, from the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the end of Kiyoko’s imprisonment in Minidoka. Extensively researched and constructed from personal interviews, primary sources, and other historical material, the play aims to teach about incarceration while exploring themes of friendship, injustice, and resilience. The play will be performed on Friday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
Performing the play in West Seattle is a unique opportunity to shed light on the history of the neighborhood. Viewers have the opportunity to learn about the specific reactions of the West Seattle community to the increase in anti-Japanese American rhetoric that was prevalent in the United States during the war years. Generously funded by 4Culture Arts and Heritage and the Kip Tokuda Memorial Washington Civil Liberties Public Education Program, this and all performances are offered free of charge.
In the photo are actors Caylin Morrison as ume, Emma Chang as Kiyoko and Isaac Tian as Torao. Laura Ferri is a playwright and director. Seats at Youngstown on Friday are subject to availability. You can find out more about Friends Across the Wires here.
