EWP Presents DAWN’S LIGHT: THE JOURNEY OF GORDON HIRABAYASHI

East West Players (EWP), the nation's premier Asian American theatre, presents the touring production of DAWN'S LIGHT: THE JOURNEY OF GORDON HIRABAYASHI by Jeanne Sakata as part of its Theatre For Youth Program.

With generous funding from Southern California Edison (SCE), East West Players ensures that this school year's Theatre for Youth touring production of DAWN'S LIGHT: THE JOURNEY OF GORDON HIRABAYASHI can provide multicultural outreach to the diverse communities in SCE's area. Through this, the touring production will serve as a dual forum to educate communities on American history and about SCE's customer programs.

DAWN'S LIGHT: THE JOURNEY OF GORDON HIRABAYASHI is a true story of the courageous life of Gordon Hirabayashi, a college student who, based on principles of protecting his civil rights, refused evacuation orders during the Japanese American Internment of World War II. In 1942, he became a federal prisoner and, though he was eventually released, his Supreme Court conviction was not overturned until 45 years later in 1987. "We believe DAWN'S LIGHT's compelling story will inspire students to become responsible global citizens by learning to respect the hard-earned civil rights of all ethnicities and cultures," says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. "This touring production reflects our commitment to utilize performing arts as a tool to teach students about social studies, American history, issues in immigrant communities, and their own role in protecting the American Constitution. Southern California Edison's leadership in supporting East West Players in telling stories is important at this time when so many schools are cutting back on arts education."

"Sustaining worthy educational programs is one of Southern California Edison's most important philanthropic commitments. East West Players Theatre has been bringing enlightening historic stories to life for generations. We applaud the Theatre's enduring efforts to educate audiences through its important cultural presentations," says Erwin Furukawa, SCE's Vice President, Customer Programs and Services.

The tour begins mid-February and ends in March. Some of the participating schools and organizations include: Alhambra Civic Library, Repetto Elementary School, Monterey Highlands Elementary School, Traweek Middle School, San Bernardino High School, San Gorgonia High School.

East West Players is the oldest theatre of color in the United States. Located in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo, it is committed to teaching American history, diversity and respect for many different cultures. EWP's Theatre for Youth touring production has toured Southern California since 1972. For more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.