Citizen 13559: The Journal of Ben Uchida

A young Japanese American boy learns how compassion and humor help his family endure a World War II internment camp in this co-commission from Scholastic Entertainment's My Name Is America book series.

• Mar 10 - 19, 2006
• Family Theater
• Approx. 1 hour
• $15.00

About the Program | Reviews

About the Program

A World Premiere Kennedy Center Original Production

Adapted by Naomi Iizuka
From the Book by Barry Denenberg

In this poetic and inspiring memory play, a young Japanese American boy's world changes overnight when his family is sent to a California internment camp during World War II. Through a journal given to him by his father, Ben Uchida reflects on their troubled life in the barracks, his stern new schoolteacher, and the sometimes harsh reactions of other Americans. But key visits by the ghosts of his ancestors show Ben how family, humor, compassion, and even baseball and a telescope can help the human spirit endure in the most challenging of times in this compelling Kennedy Center co-commission from Scholastic Entertainment's popular My Name Is America book series.

Recommended for ages 9 & up

Special event on Fri., March 10 (free with your performance ticket): Following the performance, there will be a panel discussion with special guests The Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, playwright Naomi Iizuka, and director Chay Yew. The discussion will be moderated by Terry Hong, Project Director for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program.

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Contact Group Sales for special terms.

Additional Resources

About the Kennedy Center Performances for Young Audiences Series

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