Lancaster, Pa. (October 25, 2017): On November 14, The Ware Center presents “America’s foremost Asian storyteller,” Brenda Wong Aoki in “Aunt Lily’s Flower Book”, a touching and personal family history of emigration from Japan and life in the US during World War II. Aoki and her husband, Emmy winning musician Mark Izu weave memories recorded in a recently discovered family diary with flourish, story and song, tracking over 100 years of history of Asians in the American West. The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Steinman Hall at the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St., Lancaster.
Aunt Lily’s Flower Book is the diary of Lily Takasaki, Izu’s aunt. Her diary tells her story of growing up in Japan before moving to California at ten years old. She recounts her time spent in an internment camp and her attempt to establish a home in California after World War II. Her story is told in mixed media; archival photographs and historic film clips from Izu’s family are woven together with the performance by Brenda Wong Aoki. Joined by koto master Shoko Hikage, the performance offers a poignant glimpse of our shared history and demands it not be repeated.
A free 20-minute Audience Perspective talk by Elizabethtown College professor Dr. Nobuaki Takahashi entitled “Social Discrimination, Stereotypes, and Prejudices in Japan” will be held at 6:45 p.m.The talk will provide insight & perspective related to the performance. Seating is limited and not guaranteed.
“Aunt Lily’s Flower Book” is the fourth theater production in our Performing Arts Series. Other upcoming shows include the improvisational comedy “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical” and “The Man in the Arena,” which tells the story of Theodore Roosevelt. Find more information at www.ArtsMU.com.
TICKETS
$15 reserved seating, discounts apply
IN-PERSON BOX OFFICES
The Ware Center, 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster. Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Student Memorial Center, Room 103, Millersville University campus. House: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
BY PHONE
Call the box office at 717-871-7600.
ONLINE