Written by Maui-born playwright Jon Shirota, Voices From Okinawa tells the story of Kama Hutchins, an American of Okinawan ancestry who teaches English to locals of all ages in Okinawa. He bypasses traditional teaching methods by having his students relate personal stories to the class. The tales reveal the students’ conflicted attitudes toward the American soldiers stationed on their island.

With comedy and drama, the play takes a twist as the teacher Kama learns more about his own cultural heritage from his students.

Note: The playwright’s father left Okinawa in 1907, along with three brothers, and became a pineapple grower on Maui. The brothers eventually returned to Okinawa, but Shirota’s family remained.

Mature Content

McCoy Studio Theater
Tickets: $22
Preshow dinner by BALE Catering
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.