“At a time when the ugly echoes of fear and racial prejudice once again grow louder with each passing day, remembering our history becomes critical”, George Takei said. “Pearl Harbor and WWII put our country to the test, and while we as a nation rose up to the challenge and fought out enemies abroad, sadly we also turned against our own at home and inflicted on our fellow citizens an injustice and should never be forgotten. How terrible it is to contemplate, once again, that division. That cannot happen again.”
Takei will be presented with the Rozene Supple Humanitarian Award.
George Takei Special Guest
Opening Night Tickets
ALLEGIANCE TO BROADWAY
Film Trailer
Director Greg VanderVeer
Reception 5:30 PM
Film Screening 7:00 PM
Q&A Session to Follow
ALLEGIANCE TO BROADWAY
By Greg VanderVeer
Up against all odds, two novice producers attempt to create a hit Broadway musical out of George Takei’s experience in the WWII internment camps. Allegiance follows Jay Kuo, Lorenzo Thione and their creative team from page to stage as they grapple with the tough subject matter of this shameful period in American history, and their obligation to George’s legacy. Plagued by the fear that people will not buy tickets to see a Japanese internment camp musical, they must decide between commercial appeal and their own creative instincts. From rehearsals to marketing meetings and everywhere in between, the documentary sheds a light on the tough business and creative decisions that all Broadway producers must face when trying to navigate the rough waters of the Great White Way.
George Takei
Takei has long been a passionate advocate for social injustice, outspoken supporter of human rights issues and a community activist. He has served as the spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign “Coming Out Project”, and was also chairman emeritus and trustee of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. He was appointed to the Japan-US Friendship Commission by former President Clinton and the government of Japan awarded Takei the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his contribution to the US-Japanese relations. The decoration was conferred by His Majesty, Emperor Akihito, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.