Seattle Repertory Theatre premieres Gotanda's Sisters Matsumoto

Seattle Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Philip Kan Gotanda's "Sisters Matsumoto", at Seattle Repertory Theatre's Leo K Theatre, opening on January 11 at 7:30 P.M. This touching story portrays the strength and survival of a Japanese American family after they return home from the internment camps at the end of World War II. Directed by Seattle Repertory Theatre artistic director Sharon Ott, previews for "Sisters Matsumoto" begin January 4 and the production will run through February 13. "Sisters Matsumoto" is a co-production with the San Jose Repertory Theatre and the Asian American Theatre Company, and is made possible through the support of the Mellon Foundation, AT&T, US Bank and the Kreielsheimer Foundation.

In "Sisters Matsumoto", the proud Matsumoto family returns from their internment in Rowher, Arkansas to their once thriving farm in Northern California. While facing unfortuanate circumstances the three sisters, their husbands, lovers and neighbors learn to start over and redefine themselves in the racially charged climate of post-World War II America. Grace, the eldest sister and new leader of the family, struggles to reshape her relationship with her husband and to reconcile her feelings about her dead father. Chiz, the middle sister, encourages her family to assimilate to white America as a solution to their problems; Rose, the youngest sister, faces the loss of her fiancé killed in combat while opening herself to new love.

"Sisters Matsumoto" is deeply rooted in playwright Gotanda's life. Growing up in the tightly-knit, middle class Japanese American community of Stockton, California (the same community in which the play takes place), Gotanda was intensely aware of the fact that his parents had been interned. Gotanda was motivated to write "Sisters Matsumoto" in order to keep this history alive for himself and his family. "That world, and this family in particular, had strong survival skills," said Gotanda, "and that's what this play is about." A workshop production of "Sisters Matsumoto" was presented last spring at Seattle Rep and at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco this past fall.

"Sisters Matsumoto" reunites collaborators Ott and Gotanda for the fourth time. Ott directed several of Gotanda's plays while serving as the artistic director at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, including the world premiere of "Yankee Dawg You Die", The Manhattan Theatre Club/Mark Taper Forum co-production of "The Wash" and Seattle Rep's 1996-1997 season production of "Ballad of Yachiyo." A leading playwright as well as a film maker, Gotanda's feature film, "Life Tastes Good," was recently accepted to the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Two of his short films, "The Kiss" and "Drinking Tea" have also appeared at the film festival.

Appearing in "Sisters Matsumoto" as the threes sisters are Kim Miyori (Grace), Lisa Li (Chiz), and Michi Barall (Rose). Joining them are Nelson Mashita (Hideo, husband of Grace), Stan Egi (Bola, husband of Chiz), and Ryun Yu (Henry, boyfriend of Rose). The role of the family's white neighbor (Mr. Hersham) will be played by Will Marchetti. Set design for "Sisters Matsumoto" is by Kate Edmunds, costume design by Lydia Tanji, lighting design by Nancy Schertler, sound design by Stephen LeGrand and original music by Dan Kuramoto.

Evening performances of "Sisters Matsumoto" begin at 7:30 PM Tues. through Sun. with 2:00 PM matinees on Sat. and Sun. A "First Audience" preview will be on Mon., Jan. 4 and opening night will be on Mon., Jan. 11. A weekday matinee is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Wed., Feb. 10.

Tickets to "Sisters Matsumoto" are on sale now at $15.00 (first preview: Monday, Jan. 4); $25.00 (previews: Thu/Fri/Sat Mat/Sat Eve./Sun); $36.00 (reg. perfs: Sun/Tues/Wed/Thu/Mat) and $39.00 (reg perfs: Fri/Sat/Opening). Anyone under age 25 may purchase tickets for only $10.00 for every performance of every production (call for details). A "Pay-What-You -Can" and a post-play discussion are scheduled for Thu., Jan. 7. Two other post-play discussions will be held on Jan. 24 (Mat) and Jan. 31 (Eve). There will be one pre-play discussion on Jan. 9 (Mat). Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more may be purchased by calling (206) 443-2210 ext. 1046.

For tickets, call the Seattle Repertory Theatre box office at (206) 443-2222. Seattle Repertory Theatre is located in the Seattle Center at the corner of Second St. and Mercer St.