The Japanese American Bar Association Educational Foundation announced that it will host a performance of the solo play “Hold These Truths,” the story of the late civil rights icon Gordon Hirabayashi, written by Jeanne Sakata.
The event will be held at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m.
This one-time performance, starring Ryun Yu and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, is inspired by the true story of Hirabayashi’s struggle with betrayal by his country when faced with the forced internment of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II and his deeply held belief in his rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Hirabayashi passed away in January 2012 and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Sakata’s play follows Hirabayashi as he attempts to gain a better understanding of America’s triumphs while confronting its failures. Originally premiered as “Dawn’s Light: The Journey of Gordon Hirabayashi” at the East West Player’s David Henry Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo in 2007, this work has been widely praised by critics throughout the country.
Hosted by the foundation in conjunction with Platinum Sponsors the Japanese American National Museum and the Japanese American Bar Association, and Gold Sponsor Sidley Austin LLP, this tribute will include a post-show panel discussion with light refreshments. The foundation also welcomes the Little Tokyo Service Center and Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress as Community Sponsors.
Discounted early bird tickets are available for $50 through April 19. For more information on tickets and sponsorships, visit www.jabaonline.org/2013/02/gordon-hirabayashi-tribute or inquire via email at jeflosangeles@gmail.com.
The JABA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit corporation established in 2006 to facilitate the awarding of scholarships to law students who have displayed a commitment to community service, academics, and financial need. All proceeds from the Hirabayashi event will go toward the foundation’s scholarship fund. More information on the foundation can be found at www.jabaonline.org/scholarships.