Today, San Francisco Playhouse announces its return of in-person performances a fully staged production of Hold These Truths by Jeanne Sakata, directed by Jeffrey Lo. After more than a year of video productions during the pandemic, the company will return to the Union Square theatre beginning June 8, 2021.
Last October, the company was one of the first in the nation to obtain permission from Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union representing actors and stage managers, to film its performances live on stage in front of cameras. After six filmed productions—all presented as online video streams—Hold These Truths will be the first Playhouse show to follow the company’s planned hybrid model that combines in-person audiences with online video access. The company plans to stage two more hybrid productions in Summer 2021 before beginning its 2021/22 Season.
Hold These Truths is based on the true story of one of America’s unsung heroes. In February 1942, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, authorizing the relocation and incarceration of tens of thousands of innocent American citizens of Japanese ancestry. Among these citizens was Gordon Hirabayashi, whose defiance of the internment order catapulted him into a 50-year journey of conscience to protect the Constitution from a country that viewed him as the enemy. Hold These Truths was inspired by many hours of interviews conducted by playwright Jeanne Sakata with Mr. Hirabayashi as well as numerous primary sources from his life. This one-man show will feature Jomar Tagatac as Gordon Hirabayashi.
Access to the performance’s limited seating will be provided to subscribers free of charge. In-person tickets ($30-$100) will be available for purchase in May 2021, along with on-demand video tickets ($15 – $100) that are valid throughout the show’s run. A detailed performance schedule will be released at a later date.
THE PLAY: Hold These Truths
By Jeanne Sakata
Directed by Jeffrey Lo
Hold These Truths is based on the incredible true story of one of America’s unsung heroes. In February 1942, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, authorizing the relocation and incarceration of tens of thousands of innocent American citizens of Japanese ancestry. Among these citizens was Gordon Hirabayashi, whose defiance of the internment order catapulted him into a 50-year journey of conscience to protect the Constitution from a country that viewed him as the enemy. Hold These Truths was inspired by many hours of interviews conducted by playwright Jeanne Sakata with Mr. Hirabayashi as well as numerous primary sources from his life.
THE CAST: Jomar Tagatac as Gordon Hirabayashi
WHEN: June 8 – July 3, 2021
WHERE: San Francisco Playhouse
450 Post St., San Francisco CA 94102