He’s Still Got the Edge

I would like to make a clarification regarding your reference to the Taper’s 1989 production of “Sansei” as having been “Asian-inspired” but “written and directed by Anglo-Americans.”

Although the Taper continues to describe “Sansei” in that manner, the production in fact was based on the lives of four native Angelenos--June Okida Kuramoto, Johnny Mori, Danny Yamamoto and myself. Collectively, we are the nucleus of the band Hiroshima.

The director and catalyst of “Sansei” was Taper Associate Artistic Director Robert Egan, who along with others on the Taper staff edited hours and hours of interviews and discussions with the four of us. That became the basis of the text.

Egan was adamant throughout that the play be our story, told through our eyes, spoken with our words.

“Sansei” is a multicultural play, relevant to the community of Los Angeles. Though little talked-about, it was the third-largest-grossing production in Taper history.

Especially in these times of crisis, theater must serve as a voice for the people of this city, and not just a recreational diversion for the elite.

DAN KURAMOTO

Monterey Park

That Masked Man