GARDENA — The very popular Sansei Stories workshop will begin a new six-week session on Wednesday, July 8, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
The workshop is sponsored by The Bridge: JCI Heritage Center at the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute.
Much has been written about the Nisei experience, and while these works are of immeasurable value to people’s understanding of the Nisei’s place in American history and culture, relatively little has been written about those experiences of the succeeding generations. To address this situation, earlier this year, the GVJCI and The Bridge created Sansei Stories to encourage Sansei and younger writers to write stories based on their own unique experiences and perspectives as Japanese Americans, as well of those of mixed racial heritage.
Everyone, from new to published writers, are welcome to participate, and their stories will be workshopped in a warm and nurturing environment. No topic is off-limits; past topics ranged from a Vietnam veteran’s homecoming, to fond memories of growing up in Crenshaw, to getting into trouble at school, to dealing with aging. As an added bonus, writers will have the opportunity to have their work published in community publications and/or performed as spoken-word pieces.
To date, the stories of several writers have been published in The Rafu Shimpo and The Pacific Citizen. Many writers have performed their work at the GVJCI’s monthly Second Sunday Jam sessions to enthusiastic audiences.
The workshop will be conducted by Tim Toyama, award-winning playwright of “Visas and Virtue,” “Independence Day,” “Memorial Day,” “Yuri and Malcolm X,” and “Bronzeville.”
For more information, contact Michelle Yamashiro at myamashiro@jci-gardena.org or call (310) 324-6611. There is a $30 fee. The workshop will meet at the GVJCI, 1964 W. 162nd St., Gardena.
The workshop is limited to eight people, so sign up quickly in order to ensure your spot.