Inspired by Susan Hayase, Tom Izu, Masaru Edmund Nakawatase, and Mike Ishii
By Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis
Based on the true story of Masaru Edmund Nakawatase, this song emerges from the freedom work of Japanese Americans who were born in WWII incarceration, came of age in the Civil Rights Movement, and are fighting to end migrant detention and incarceration today. This rally song takes the chorus of the narrative song telling Ed's story (read the full lyric here) and remixes it for use on the streets. To get involved on a local level, go to CT Immigrant Rights Alliance; on a national level, go to Tsuru for Solidarity.
Performers:
Aaron “Coach Hawk” Hawkins
Aaron Jafferis
Anne Rhodes
Anthony DeQuattro
Anton Kot
Brianna Chance
Briana Williams
Cliff Schloss
Eden Almasude
Elaine Kolb
Fi Schroth-Douma
Gabriela Diaz
Gloria Yin
Jennifer Diaz
Julia Zhao
Magdalena Diaz
Paul Davies
Sarah Paquet
Z Bell
Music Director/Audio & Video Editor: Stephanie Tubiolo
Produced by Octopus Theatricals in partnership with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
2017–2018 support for Activist Songbook from Asian Arts Initiative’s (ex)CHANGE: History Place Presence, provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Philadelphia. Additional support from Montalvo Arts Center Lucas Artists Residency Program.