The Journal of Ben Uchida: Citizen 13559—Oregon Children’s Theatre—downtown Portland

          “…Times That Try Men’s Souls”

    This searing drama, of a shameful time in our history, is written by Naomi IIizuka, adapted by Barry Denenberg and directed by Dmae Roberts.  It is playing at the Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, through March 22^nd.  For more information, go to their site at www.octc.org

    We have many events in our Nation’s history that we can be proud of.  But there is also the downside to that, when we have discriminated against others because of their color or race (which still continues today), et. al.  Cases in point:  Robbing the land from its original inhabitants, the Native Americans, and forcing them onto reservations and into poverty; enslaving African-Americans and treating them as if they were property or animals, all for the sake of Greed; and forcing Japanese-Americans into Internment Camps during the 40’s, because they were the same color/race as an enemy (we also were at war with Germany & Italy, too, but they could not be easily identified, as they were White, and so escaped such degradation).  A similar discrimination is going on with Hispanics and Latinos today.  Guess the old adage is true, that if we haven’t solved the problems of the Past, we are bound to repeat them…and so we do!

    The story is true and taken from the journal of one young boy, growing up in that era, Ben Uchida (Ken Yoshikawa) who, with his wise father, Masao (David J. Loftus), his proud mother, Lily (Sumi Wu), and active sister, Naomi (Jenna Yokoyama), were living a rather peaceful and happy life in San Francisco, until the war, then their world changed forever.

    First, came the ridicule from neighbors and in classrooms, then the orders to sell or dispose of belongings, taking only necessary items, and report to trains that would take them to camps, in the middle of the desert, surrounded by barb wire and gun towers…pointed inward, for their own protection!?  Life would be hard for them but, even harder, perhaps, feeling the humiliation that they were American citizens, wrongfully accused of being the enemy, and imprisoned, simply because of their color…and no other reason!

    There was the occasional friendly face, such as the young Soldier (Jonathan Miles), who befriends Ben and plays a game of catch with him, reviving for him the world outside the fence.  And there was Miss Kroll (Paige Rogers), the schoolteacher, who reached out to Ben and, with a gentle but firm hand, led him back into the world of education.

    But it is for you, the audience and witnesses, to decipher the story for yourselves and maybe, just maybe, this time the citizens of the world that oppose this kind of injustice, will take heed, so that it never happens again.  “Attention must be paid!” “When will [we] ever learn…” It seems that it will not happen in my lifetime but there is hope in our Youth, as their examples of standing up for environment changes and gun control and against prejudice, are hopeful signs.  So, maybe, just maybe, in time…!

    Roberts, who has her own production company, focusing on Asian issues and Arts, MediaRites, is perfect for leading this effort.  She is acquainted intimately with the subject matter and has assembled the perfect cast for it.  Miles and Rogers have their moments in the sun, as an understanding soldier and a teacher.  And Loftus, Wu, Yokoyama and especially, Yoshikawa, as the family, were so convincing that, at moments, I felt I was transported back to those times and places.  Bravo!

    I highly recommend this production and, yes, bring the kids, as it is a great learning and illuminating experience about our past, never to be repeated.  If you do choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.

--DJS