News Release
January 9, 2008
Contacts
Leslye Asera, Community Relations Manager, (925) 671-3272
lasera@ci.concord.ca.us
Play ‘Dust Storm’ commemorates internment of Japanese Americans
A storm is headed for the Concord Senior Center on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. But there’s no need to panic because this cyclone is a one-man play called “Dust Storm” written by Rick Foster. The play is about art and survival in a WWII internment camp for Japanese Americans.
“The timing of the play is significant,” says Jack Nakashima, a Diablo Valley Japanese American Citizens League member. “This riveting and fast-paced play serves to commemorate the February 1942 signing of Executive Order 9066 which authorized the internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans.”
Actor Zachary Drake plays Seiji, a Berkeley High School student radicalized by his internment experience. Paintings by famed artist Chiura Obata enhance the scenes Seiji describes. Obata was an art professor at the University of California, Berkeley when the U.S. was drawn into the war. He and his family were relocated to an internment camp in the barren Utah desert where the dust storms of the play’s title are common.
In addition to the play, there will be a special performance by the Miyazono Minyo Buyo Japanese folk dance group from Hawaii.
Co-hosting the event are the Concord Senior Center and the Diablo Valley chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League.
“A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Concord Senior Center’s Scholarship program, which allows low income seniors to participate in educational and specialized instructional classes and day trips,” says Avis Connolly, Concord Senior Center Program manager.
Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 for seniors and students), and $18 at the door. To reserve tickets call the Senior Center at (925) 671-3320.
For additional information and a seating chart on the Web, visit www.cityofconcord.org/duststorm. Doors open at 1 p.m.
The Concord Senior Center is at 2727 Parkside Circle. Parking is free and handicap accessible.
