“Theatre and performance are an entry way to the emotional and human elements of conflict, content, history, as well as a playful and exploratory avenue for discovery.”
Masters in Teaching student
“The performance was beyond amazing. I really felt like I was there experiencing it beside them. It showed a fraction of the hurt and depression that was caused because of incarceration of Japanese. They did such an amazing job at showing what it was like, I almost cried during the parts where they talked about being abandoned and wanting nothing but justice. It’s sad to be reminded that America did that and they still do it today. Keeping our youth safe is supposed to be our number one priority. Why do morals and priorities have no say in this kind of action? I feel like there’s nothing we can do to change because bad history just keeps repeating and repeating. Its horrid, terrible, and just outright wrong. “
High school student
“A great way to get [students] to examine history in different levels and through different lenses. “
Middle school teacher
“Absolutely wonderful service to our classroom. It helped our students make connections and brought the material to life.”
Classroom teacher
“It's not right to judge only based on race. I wonder what the Americans were thinking. There was no evidence of communication or spies, but yet they put them in camps."
Middle school student
“Excellent dramatic presentation. Very inspiring. Students were energized – especially when it came time for their skits. It was a super three days! Great experience.”
Middle school teacher
“The play was powerful and the extensions provided excellent follow-up activities. I will incorporate much of what I learned into my teaching of social studies.”
Middle school teacher
" . . . it doesn't matter when it happens; you should never take away someone's rights."
Middle school student
“I really liked seeing how you blended social studies, English language arts, and drama. And I really like how you connected modern day concerns with those people from the past.”
Middle school teacher
“Being able to see the play and then do the activities in relation made it very tangible. (most valuable piece of new knowledge) The power of story – using that to get at teaching history – but also using activities to have students create "story" around content.”
High school teacher
“Lots of golden nuggets – social learning, gives an opportunity to learn for all students. Thank you – the experience was wonderful. I learned a lot about the power of theatre and the importance of stories.”
Masters in Teaching student
Children's Village – Courtesy of Manzanar National Historic Site and the Shinjo Natatomi Collection.