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
$20.00-85.00 (+ $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 Steve F. Hofer
Featuring Roberto Perlas Gómez, Alexandra Bass, 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 Steve F. 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.
To learn how you can support, click here. The team behind The Camp is dedicated to ensuring this production is financially accessible to everyone. For general inquiries or to inquire about subsidized ticket options if you are experiencing financial hardship or have been impacted by the recent wildfires, please email thecamp.opera@gmail.com.
Video Trailer
Things To Know
Post-show Conversations
Please join us for post show conversations on Saturday, February 23, Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
June Aochi Berk, concentration camp survivor; John Miyasaki, associate director of The Camp and a descendant of camp survivors; and moderator Helen H. Ota, associate producer, talk about the different theatrical productions focused on the Japanese American experience and America’s concentration camps.
Saturday, March 1, 2025
A post-show conversation with Kiyomi Emi, granddaughter of Frank Emi, Kathy Masaoka, Co-chair of the Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress, and moderator traci kato-kiriyama focusing on resistance and social justice.
Saturday, March 2, 2025
The Camp composer Daniel Kessner, associate director John Miyasaki, members of the cast, and moderator, Diana Wyenn (director of The Camp) reflect and share their thoughts on being involved with the production and the experience of performing in a location deeply rooted in the history of Japanese Americans during WWII.
The Team
Creative Team
- 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
- Bandō Hidesomi, Odori Choreographer
- Tripp Pickell, Fight Choreographer
Production Team
- Darlene Miyakawa, Production Stage Manager
- Anthony Rivera, Assistant Stage Manager
- Bill Ballou, Technical Director
- Cecil Bouchier, Scenic Artist
- Kelsey Gizelle, Wig Designer and Makeup Artist
- Sierra Haworth, Titles Operator
- Brandon Zhou, Rehearsal Pianist
- Sydney Wang, Rehearsal Pianist
- Anne Marie Ketchum De La Vega, Artistic Consultant & Casting
- Christine Goerke, Artistic Consultant
- traci kato-kiriyama, Consultant
- Azusa Oda, Graphic Design and Illustration
- Darren Kessner, Website Design
- Davidson & Choy Publicity, Press Representative
- Helen H. Ota, Associate Producer
- Katherine Means, Associate Producer
- Quinn O’Connor, Associate Producer
- Plain Wood Productions, Producer
Ensemble
- Roberto Perlas Gómez, Mas Shimono
- Alexandra Bass, Haruko Shimono
- Tiffany Ho, Suzy Shimono
- Habin Kim, Rebecca Shimono
- Patrick Tsoi-A-Sue, Nobu
- Krishna Raman, Commentator/FBI Agent/PFC Parker
- Sarah Z. Wang, Mrs. Hosaka
- Steve Moritsugu, Tana
- Hisato Masuyama, Kenji
- Dennis Rupp, Edwards/Reverend
- Jamie Sanderson, Taylor
Orchestra
- Rachel Rudich, Shakuhachi
- Kozue Matsumoto, Koto
- Sara Andon, Flute/Alto Flute
- Brian Walsh, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
- Yuri Inoo, Percussion
- Alyssa Park, Concertmaster, Violin I
- Ana Landauer, Violin I
- Sara Parkins, Violin
- Gallia Kastner, Violin I
- Sarah Th ornblade, Principal Violin II
- Joel Pargman, Violin II
- Adrianne Pope, Violin II
- Kyle Gilner, Violin II
- Zach Dellinger, Principal Viola
- Colleen Sugata, Viola
- Diana Wade, Viola
- Rita Andrade, Viola
- Timothy Loo, Principal Violoncello
- Charlie Tyler, Violoncello
- Niall Ferguson, Violoncello
- Eric Shetzen, Principal Contrabass
- Timothy Eckert, Contrabass
- Timothy Loo, Orchestra Personnel Manager
JACCC Aratani Theatre Team
- EJ Orlando, Production Manager
- Joey Guthman, Associate Lighting Designer & Master Electrician
- Mauricio Lopez, Master Sound
- Leticia Chang, Stage Manager
- Bernell Crawford, Master Carpenter
- Adam Bahir, Lighting Operator
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.
Address & Parking
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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.
Entrance & Check-in
Arrive early to enjoy a drink at the bar* and get comfortable in your seats. Please have your e-ticket(s) with the QR code ready for entry.
Late arrivals will be held at the door until an appropriate moment in the performance.
*JACCC has a Social Responsibility & Designated Driver Program—click here to learn more.