Voices from Okinawa

by Jon Shirota

http://www.kumukahua.org/0910okinawa.html

Kumu Kahua Theatre

46 Merchant Street, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813

Box Office Phone: (808) 536-4441

Email: kumukahuatheatre@hawaiiantel.net • URL: www.kumukahua.org

Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm: November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28; December 3, 4, 5, 2009

Sundays 2pm: November 8, 15, 22, 29; December *6, 2009

(No show Thursday, November 26, because of Thanksgiving)

*American Sign Language Interpretation available

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Haisai Gusuyoo!

I attended the preview of “Voices From Okinawa”, written by Jon Shirota. Within the next 5 weeks that it will be playing, I would like to encourage you and your families to make time to attend this production. The play runs about 1hr 15min. with no intermission. It brings to the forefront the problems…especially US military issues in Okinawa. The personal stories portrayed in the play are very real to life dramas of what is happening in Okinawa now, and which our Okinawa community has not been publicly exposed to very much. It shows that although the war has ended more than 60 years ago, the problems of okinawans not being able to voice their problems, and continued suffering due to US military presence still exist and is still affecting Okinawa. There are a few things that don’t jive with Okinawan life, and the transitions between the scenes seem to soften the heavy, emotional stories through its almost comical music and movements, but al in all it is a play with a strong message that all Okinawans should take to heart and think about. For those of you who just came back with us from the tour…there are parts where it will wrench at your hearts since you will understand the situations so clearly.

This play also comes a a good time when news has been covering the Futenma base issues, and also Camp Schwab in Henoko. Also a good timing prior to the Okinawa Governor’s arrival this month. Please let your relatives and friends know about this play and encourage them to go, or take them with you. We all need to grow in our understanding of the problems presented in “Voices”.

Eric/Ukwanshin Kabudan