Set Designer

### Event Description: Portland Opera to Go's "Shizue: An American Story"

**Event Overview:**
This fall, Portland Opera proudly presents the world premiere of "Shizue: An American Story," the latest installment in the Our Oregon Project. Composed by Kenji Oh with a libretto by Dmae Lo Roberts, this 50-minute youth opera illuminates the remarkable life of Shizue Iwatsuki. Born into a wealthy family and trained in the arts of poetry and ikebana, Shizue married Kamegoro and moved to his orchard in Hood River, Oregon. Her life journey encapsulates both the hope and horror experienced by Japanese Americans, from the joy of harvesting fresh strawberries to the injustice of America's incarceration camps. Through it all, Shizue embodies the concept of "gaman," enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.

**Performance Details:**
- **Length:** 50 minutes, no intermission
- **Language:** English with English captions
- **Accessibility:** Audio description and ASL interpretation available
- **Venue:** To Be Determined (TBD)
- **Ticketing:** Single tickets will go on sale in August. Tickets are sold as "Pay what you Wish," with a minimum price of $5.00 and a suggested price of $35.00.

**Cast & Crew:**
- **Stage Director:** Dmae Lo Roberts
- **Younger Shizue:** Lindsey Nakatani
- **Elder Shizue:** Chihiro Asano
- **Kamegoro:** Jietong Fu
- **Various Men:** Edward Tavalin
- **Scenic Designer:** John Kashiwabara
- **Costume Designer:** Wanda Walden

**Tour Information:**
After its world premiere, "Shizue: An American Story" will embark on a two-month, multi-city tour, bringing this poignant story to various schools and community venues.

**Accessibility Features:**
- **Captions:** Live English captions projected above the stage for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- **Audio Description:** Live audio description of the action and dialogue onstage for patrons who are blind or have low vision, available during the Saturday matinee performance.
- **ASL Interpretation:** Both performances will include ASL interpretation.

**Community and Support:**
Portland Opera to Go is generously supported by various foundations and individual patrons, ensuring the continuation of this educational and culturally enriching program. The opera company is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all, free from bigotry, discrimination, and harassment.

Join us in celebrating the resilience and dignity of Shizue Iwatsuki through this compelling new opera. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Portland Opera website.

John Kashiwabara

Set Designer

Events

Past events

4 - 5 Oct, 2024

Shizue: An American Story · Portland Opera

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