No-No Boy (play) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids No-No Boy |
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World Premiere poster
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| Written by | Ken Narasaki |
| Characters | Ichiro Ma Pa Kenji Emi Freddie Taro Eto Mrs. Kanno Jun |
| Date of premiere | March 27, 2010 |
| Place of premiere | Miles Memorial Playhouse Santa Monica, California |
| Original language | English |
| Subject | World War II Draft resistance, Asian American family |
| Genre | Drama, Asian American theatre |
| Setting | 1946 Seattle |
No-No Boy is a play written by Ken Narasaki. It was first shown in 2010. The play is based on a famous novel with the same name by John Okada.
This play is a drama with two parts. It tells a story about a Japanese American young man. He refused to join the army during World War II. After the war, in 1946, he returns home from prison. The play explores his journey and the challenges he faces.
Contents
What is No-No Boy About?
The story of No-No Boy takes place right after World War II. Many Japanese American families are returning to the West Coast. They had been forced to leave their homes during the war.
The main character is Ichiro Yamada. He is released from prison. Ichiro had chosen not to fight in the war. This decision had big consequences for him. The play shows how he tries to deal with his choices. It also shows how his community tries to rebuild their lives. Everyone is trying to get back on their feet after the war changed everything.
Who Are the Characters?
- Ichiro Yamada: The main character. He is a Nisei (a Japanese American born in the U.S.). He chose not to join the army during the war.
- Pa: Ichiro's father. He is an Issei (a Japanese immigrant to the U.S.).
- Ma: Ichiro's mother. She is also an Issei.
- Kenji Kanno: A soldier who fought in the war. He was part of the 442nd Infantry Regiment. This was a famous Japanese American army unit.
- Emi: A woman whose husband was also a soldier.
- Freddie: Ichiro's good friend. He also chose not to join the army.
- Eto: A war veteran (someone who served in the military).
- Taro: Ichiro's younger brother.
- Mrs. Kanno: Kenji's mother.
- Mr. Kumasaka: A friend of the Yamada family.
- Jun: A war veteran and friend of the Kumasaka family.
- 2A: A neighbor of Freddie.
- Cop
When and Where Was the Play First Shown?
The play No-No Boy had its very first performance on March 27, 2010. It was shown at the Miles Memorial Playhouse in Santa Monica, California. The play ran for several weeks and closed on April 18, 2010.
Original Cast Members
Here are some of the actors who first played the main roles:
- Ichiro – Robert Wu
- Eto / Jun – Chris Tashima
- Taro – Jared Asato
- Pa – Sab Shimono
- Ma – Sharon Omi
- Mr. Kumasaka / Cop – Ken Narasaki (the play's writer)
- 2A / Mrs. Kanno – Emily Kuroda
- Freddie – John Miyasaki (and later Mike Hagiwara)
- Kenji – Greg Watanabe
- Emi / Mrs.ka – Keiko Agena
Play Setting
The story of No-No Boy takes place in Seattle, Washington. The year is 1946, just after World War II.
Production Team
A lot of people work behind the scenes to create a play. Here are some of the key people for No-No Boy:
- Director – Alberto Isaac
- Choreographer – Michael Hagiwara
- Set Design – Alan E. Muraoka
- Costume designer – Ken Takemoto
- Lighting designer – Jeremy Pivnick
- Sound Design/Music Composition – Dave Iwataki
- Stage Manager – Darlene Miyakawa
