GARDENA — “Sansei Stories,” a new workshop, will begin a six-week session at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute on Feb. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.
As the Sansei generation rapidly approaches, or has reached, or has gone beyond, the “golden years,” it’s time to record and memorialize the experiences of these Baby Boomers. The stories could be about anything — growing up in East L.A., Crenshaw, Gardena; dances, cars, music, college, the ’60s; getting married (or not), having children (or not); or taking care of aging Nisei parents. The sky’s the limit.
This workshop will help new and experienced writers develop a memory, character or story about the Sansei. Each session includes a warm-up writing exercise, followed by the reading and discussion of stories in progress. The workshop will culminate in a public reading of stories.
The workshop is not limited to Sansei; participants can include anyone with Sansei parents, Sansei children, or Sansei friends.
“Sansei Stories” will be conducted by Tim Toyama, award-winning playwright of “Visas and Virtue,” “Independence Day,” “Memorial Day,” “Yuri and Malcolm X,” and “Bronzeville.”
For more information, contact Michelle Yamashiro at myamashiro@jci-gardena.org or call (310) 324-6611.