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This is a story of the connection between two cultures: their differences, similarities and the relationship that comes out of it. This play is one not to be missed.

This multi-cultural story was written by Jon Shirota, a playwright and novelist who was born on Maui and lives in Los Angeles, the son of Okinawan immigrants and today one of the most prominent Asian-American voices of “the greatest generation.”

Originally produced last year by the East West Players in Los Angeles, Voices tells the story of Kama Hutchins, an American of Okinawan ancestry who is on the island to teach English to local Okinawans. He eschews traditional English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching methods and asks his students to relate personal stories in front of the class. As each story unfolds, the attitudes of the students toward the American soldiers stationed on the island change.

Clueless about his Okinawan heritage, but eager to discover it, Kama’s conversations with his students, the school principal and his wise great-aunt bring an understanding of the history of his ancestors. In Shirota’s dialogues, the classroom becomes a historical place for discussion of the present conflict in today’s Okinawa.

Playwright Shirota’s father left Okinawa in 1907 along with three brothers and worked in the pineapple fields on Maui. The brothers eventually returned to Okinawa, but Jon’s family remained.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Cast members include Kumu Kahua Theatre veterans Stu Hirayama, Tyler Tanabe, Julia Nakamoto, Valerie Falle, Daniel Akiyama and Dann Seki. Kumu Kahua newcomers are Yumi Nakama and Aya Ohara.

Tickets are $22. Call the MACC at 242-SHOW or order online at MauiArts.org.

The performance is supported by Maui Okinawa Kin Cho Jin Kai, Maui Ryukyu Cultural Group and Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai.

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