People’s Light presents: Hold These Truths

I have to admit this production out the racism that exist in the Asian community to me in such a brighter light. Leading and only actor Steven Eng is hands down amazing at bringing this true story to light. Telling Gordon’s story and how he never settled for a Freeish existence. 

Hold These Truth Back Story

This story is about Gordon Hirabayashi and his family who lived in the Bay Area in California during WWII. During time America decided to mass incarcerate all people of Japanese ancestry regardless if they were American citizen or not. Gordon decided he would defy these orders as they were racially motivated and unconstitutional. His defiance is what led to change but plays a huge success in movements like Stop AAPI Hate. As well as Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).

Steven Eng

He is a phenomenal actor. He played various parts of Gordon’s story. From his family and friends to soldiers holding him in captivity. I think people don’t understand the depth it takes to switch each part so effortlessly. It was at the point when Steven was telling his story of Gordon petting a dog and a White man came and said don’t touch it with gun in his hand that did it for me. It was very much as real as the racism that takes place in the African American community. Being told that you aren’t able to simply exists in spaces is real and heart wrenching at the same time

Gordon’s Story

I had never heard of Gordon Hirabayashi before this production. I don’t remember studying him in high school or college. His bravery of deciding that as a college student he wasn’t going to be limited is heroic. They were making any one of Japanese heritage have curfews, they weren’t allowed to mill about. They were placed in modern day Concentration camps. It was awful the way they were being treated. He decided even if he loses this battle the war was more important to establish the boundaries that should have been practiced in the Constitution. All men are equal and free. His Japanese people weren’t going to be held in captivity because of the interpretation of racism. 

Hold These Truths

When Gordon’s dad joined him in the cell I felt a big shock of emotion that I wasn’t prepared for. The words we hold these truths came alive. We talk about freedom and its plight to secure it all the time. How are we as Americans still struggling with who is deemed to be free. Why is Freeish still a thing. In Gordon’s time it was about discrimination based upon unreal and lies. A time when just being who you are is a crime. This scenario has played its ugly head many times in history. It separates families and makes people question if they are really able to be who they are and be proud of their culture. 

The only truth that are held is White American men have the liberty to move the way they want in the world. Asian communities have recently in the last few years have had the worst demonstration of hate applied. Name calling, culture made fun of, and more. Random acts of violence on preconceived notions that are simply not true. 

Production of Hold These Truths

I loved how in our face Gordon’s story was being told. Enjoyed how simple the stage was. We were able to see Steven switch his roles in the most simple and profound way. People’s Light is doing a great job showcasing the stories of the everyday hero. The life changing story that I hope everyone took a piece of Gordon home when they saw this production. 

Thank you People’s Light

I want to personally thank People’s Light for the gift of hospitality. It didn’t go unnoticed. My daughter is on this journey of learning about cultures. I have been specific to bringing her to several plays including any that People’s Light. I trust them with the story telling and the atmosphere has always been great for a preteen to attend. It wasn’t a relaxed show.

I asked my daughter to bring her fidget toy with her. Like a preteen she didn’t. I asked People’s Light and they said they didn’t have them out that night. This I knew. Moments later, staff comes with them to give them to her. Thank you. It’s the simple things. 

This show is only available until this weekend as it ends on Sunday May 1st, 2022. Get your tickets. Support this show and its artistry. Make sure that you learn who Gordon is and what he did. He is amazing and I am glad, Jeanne Sakata (writer) and Desdemona Chiang (director) took this as a valuable project for all. 

Thank you to the staff of People’s Light, the cast, director, writer, and production team as well as Carrie Gorn and Perpetual Motion PR.