ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - "Inalienable Rights: From Pearl Harbor To 911," an original play written by Lee Patton Chiles and produced by Gitana Productions, explores the two major attacks on American soil, sixty years apart, that created the greatest national emergencies in our history. The play opens on September 9 and runs through September 25 at the Regional Arts Commission in the University City Loop.
"As we mark the 10th anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks, we want to explore the meaning of citizenship, how far we're willing to limit the rights of our citizens in times of national emergency, and the ways that fear can prejudice everyone against people who look like ‘the other'," said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana Productions.
After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, 70,000 U.S. born citizens of Japanese decent were rounded up and held in Internment Camps. After 9/11, Arab Americans and others who appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent but who were U.S. citizens also were racially profiled and often became "persons of interest," their rights seriously curtailed.
"Both groups suffered from looking like the enemy," said Nadal. "We know that fear leads to actions that may be in conflict with our most cherished principles."
On Sunday, September 11 following the 3:00 PM performance there will be a panel discussion including Wendy Roll, President of the Japanese American Citizens League and the daughter of Japanese American parents who were placed into an internment camp here in the USA following Pearl Harbor. City of St. Louis Alderman, Terry Kennedy will join the panel with Abbas Ali and Nasreen Bibi, members of the Council on American Islamic Relations. (CAIR St. Louis)
The play "Inalienable Rights: From Pearl Harbor To 911" is the first in a series of events by Gitana Productions called "In Search of America." Gitana's 2011-2012 season aims to provoke audience emotions, reactions and conscious decisions to pursue life, liberty and justice for all, rather than life based on fear and complacency.
"We are living at a time when it is critical that we reflect on what it means to be American, both within and outside of ourselves," said Nadal.
The cast for this show includes Sheri Gonzalez, Ahmed Hassan, David Wassilak and L.A. Williams. "The cast is diverse, talented and dedicated to theater that makes a difference."
Performances run September 9 through September 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, seniors 65+ and students $18, and are available at www.gitana-inc.org. Special rates for groups of 15 or more also are available. Individuals who are unemployed may call Gitana to reserve seats which are available for whatever price they can afford. Doors will open one hour before show time for refreshments and seating will be available 30 minutes before the show.
The Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council have provided funding to support Gitana Productions events.
Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community. Gitana events present a rarely seen diversity of international and local artists exhibiting an array of traditional and innovative artistic expressions. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or call Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. |
