The Camp: An Opera in Two Acts
When
Sat, Feb 22, 2025 & Sat, Mar 1, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Sun, Feb 23, 2025 & Sun, Mar 2, 2025 | 2:30 pm
Where
Price
$20-85 (+$2.00-8.50 fee)
About
A new opera about an American family wrongfully imprisoned in 1942 and the power of collective resistance to injustice.
Libretto by Lionelle Hamanaka
Music by Daniel Kessner
Directed by Diana Wyenn
Conducted by Steven Hofer
Featuring Roberto Perlas Gómez, Shu Tran, Tiffany Ho, Habin Kim, Patrick Tsoi-A-Sue, Sarah Z. Wang, Steve Moritsugu, Hisato Masuyama, Krishna Raman, Jamie Sanderson, and Dennis Rupp.
In 1942, during World War II, 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry—two-thirds of whom were American citizens—were unjustly incarcerated in concentration camps within the United States.
Created by librettist Lionelle Hamanaka, a descendant of camp survivors, and composer Daniel Kessner, this world premiere contemporary opera tells the moving story of the Shimono family, Japanese Americans forcibly removed from their suburban home in Southern California. After Mas, a fisherman and the head of the household, is arrested by the FBI on suspicion of espionage, the family is reunited in a desolate incarceration camp. As the family struggles to survive the emotional and physical toll of their wrongful imprisonment, this poignant, new opera illuminates the remarkable strength of familial bonds and the power of collective resistance in the face of injustice.
Performed in English, this captivating production directed by Diana Wyenn features an ensemble of eleven gifted singers performing with a twenty-two-member orchestra conducted by Steven Hofer.
Language: English
Run Time: Two hours and fifteen minutes, including one 15-minute intermission
Presented in partnership with the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.
For additional information about the production and ways to support, click here or email thecamp.opera@gmail.com.
Video Trailer
Things To Know
The Team
Creative Team
- Lionelle Hamanaka, Librettist
- Daniel Kessner, Composer
- Steven F. Hofer, Conductor
- Diana Wyenn, Director
- John Miyasaki, Associate Director
- Yuri Okahana-Benson, Scenic Designer
- Pablo Santiago, Lighting Designer
- Kathleen Qui, Costume Designer
- Brittany White, Props Designer
Production Team
- Darlene Miyakawa, Production Stage Manager
- Anthony Rivera, Assistant Stage Manager
- Bill Ballou, Technical Director
- Anne Marie Ketchum De La Vega, Artistic Consultant
- Kessner Music, LLC, Producer
- Plain Wood Productions, Producer
- Helen H. Ota, Associate Producer
- Katherine Means, Associate Producer
- Quinn O’Connor, Associate Producer
Performers
- Roberto Perlas Gomez as Mas Shimono
- Shu Tran as Haruko Shimono
- Tiffany Ho as Suzy Shimono
- Habin Kim as Rebecca Shimono
- Patrick Tsoi-A-Sue as Nobu
- Krishna Raman as Commentator, FBI Agent & PFC Parker
- Sarah Wang as Mrs. Hosaka
- Steve Moritsugu as Tana
- Dennis Rupp as Edwards & Reverend
- Hisato Masuyama as Kenji
- Jamie Sanderson as Taylor
Orchestra
- Coming soon!
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact info@jaccc.org.
Plan Your Visit
JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.