TorontoNAJC November Update

TorontoNAJC and the play “the Japanese Problem”

TorontoNAJC along with partners at the University of Toronto was able to extend the Toronto run of the play “the Japanese Problem” for four performances over October 29th and 30^th.in the Rehearsal Hall of the Robert Gill Theatre on campus.

“The play ‘The JAPANESE PROBLEM’ invites a small audience into a stall, which residents have turned into a temporary home and place of wonder, as they are filled with the uncertainty of their next destination.  The piece exists in the contemporary moment simultaneously, where evidence of Hastings Parks’ former tenants has been erased, where survivors are uncertain if they want their names included in a memorial; and where refugees to North America are being treated in a fashion that is terrifyingly familiar. JAPANESE PROBLEM is a title derived from the nomenclature of WWII, but containing in it the understanding that the citizens affected at the time were neither Japanese–they were overwhelmingly legal residents/citizens of Canada, nor problematic–with zero verifiable connections to activities against Canada.”  (From the producer of the play Yoshie Bancroft)

The play which had been booked into the Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto for performances from Oct 24^th through to 28th were quickly sold out with only rush seats available on the day.  TorontoNAJC contacted the producers of the play who arranged a cooperative effort with 3 other organizations at the University for the Additional 4 Performances.  Fifty seats were allocated to the chapter which sent out a notice to its membership last week and the seats were all taken up within two days.

TorontoNAJC at Weston Collegiate Institute

TorontoNAJC members Ron Shimizu and Toku Suyama attended a performance of the play “The Japanese Problem” on October 23^rd at Weston Collegiate Institute. The play was being performed for Grades 11 and 12 social studies students.  Their teacher Mr. Michael Anthony who had arranged the special performance for his students invited a few members of TorontoNAJC to attend and was particularly interested in having a “survivor” of the Hasting Park in attendance.   Mr. Suyama spoke of his personal experience at Hasting Park while he was assigned there from March to September in 1942.  TorontoNAJC provided a small grant to the School to help offset their costs in bringing the play to students.

***************************************************************************************************

 TorontoNAJC’S 30TH Anniversary Redress Gala – SOLD OUT

Thanks to overwhelming community support the gala taking place on Thursday, November 8th, 2018 at LUMA and the Founder’s Lounge in the TIFF Bell Lightbox sold out on October 10, 2018. Those seeking tickets or have tickets they may want to transfer are invited to post on the Toronto NAJC Facebook page www.facebook.com/torontonajc

Gala Chair, Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi redressgalareception@gmail.com

TorontoNAJC’s 2018 Annual General Meeting  

TorontoNAJC will be holding its 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday at 2 pm on January 20th, 2019 at Momiji Centre.  The AGM will include a short business meeting consisting of a review of the chapter’s 2018 activities, plans for 2019, financial status and election of the 2019 Board of Directors. In addition, as in past years, the chapter is arranging to have special guest speaker to be announced. All members and friends are invited to attend.