SUPPOSED HOME by Sam Hamashima

Rated PG. Shiyoko left the Japanese American Concentration Camps a long time ago , or so she thought. Faced with questions from a curious grandson, Shiyoko's world becomes both what had happened and what was wanted. Past and present become one landscape for this anime adventure as enemies are revealed, companions are found, trauma is unpacked, and what was only thought becomes (un)spoken word. A poetic...
Rated PG. Shiyoko left the Japanese American Concentration Camps a long time ago , or so she thought. Faced with questions from a curious grandson, Shiyoko's world becomes both what had happened and what was wanted. Past and present become one landscape for this anime adventure as enemies are revealed, companions are found, trauma is unpacked, and what was only thought becomes (un)spoken word. A poetic impression from the Yonsei perspective, Supposed Home brings a new piece of the puzzle that is the Japanese American experience.
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SUPPOSED HOME

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow:
    14 Jun. 2021
    “ A genre-defying, fabulistic piece that navigates a variety of theatrical styles and motifs, and issues both micro and macro level in such a compelling and engaging way. Sam Hamashima creates a distinct theatrical world and their skill in bringing together a variety of threads into a cohesive, aesthetic whole is supreme. I loved the dual narrative focus, as well, on this humorous, heightened fable-like tale from the past and a grandmother and grandson's more immediate and intimate journey through the results of generational, cultural, and familial trauma. This play begs to be staged and soon I hope! ”
  • Playwrights Foundation:
    3 May. 2021
    “ Playwrights Foundation highly recommends SUPPOSED HOME, which excelled to the Finalist round (top 35) for the 44th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival out of 755 plays. Our community of readers felt this play best represented the mission of our festival. This work engaged us, inspired us, moved us, and was an outstanding example of transformative storytelling. Our local Bay Area Literary Council commends SUPPOSED HOME as a compelling, relevant, cathartic new work which should be produced now. Congratulations! #BAPF2021 ”

Character Information

See script for doubling and requirements

  • YOUNG SHIYOKO
    10-12,
    Japanese American
    ,
    Cisgender Female
    Nissei. Creative and strong. Shoujo Magical Girl qualities. Hopeful to a degree. Japanese American.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Child, Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • OLD SHIYOKO
    60s-80s,
    Japanese American
    ,
    Cisgender Female
    Nissei. Strong-willed. Carries with her a wide range of experiences and opinions. Japanese American.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • GRANDSON
    15-20,
    Japanese American
    ,
    Cisgender Male
    Yonsei. Pursus knowledge from the previous generations. Naive and, at times, daring. Japanese American.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • TANUKI
    Timeless,
    Japanese American
    ,
    Cisgender Male
    A scrappy yokai focused on surviving. Comedic. Drunk. Anime Sidekick. Japanese American.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • THE CACTUS
    Two (in plant years),
    Japanese American
    ,
    Any (but probably Female)
    Joins SHIYOKO to save TANUKI. Comedic. Anime Sidekick. Japanese American.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • THE RATTLESNAKE / UWABAMI
    unknown,
    Unknown
    ,
    No gender
    Shakes its tail to sound like washing rice. Enemy. Was once a yokai like TANUKI, but shed too many skins. Not much is known about this monster.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • MRS. SUWA
    30s-40s,
    Japanese American
    ,
    Cisgender Female
    Issei. Japanese American. Sometimes a Cardboard Cutout.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • MR. SUWA
    30s-50s,
    Japanese American
    ,
    Cisgender Male
    Issei. Sometimes a cardboard cutout. Japanese American.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • THE GUARD
    15-25,
    Caucasian
    ,
    Cisgender Male
    Guard of the camp. Ensures that nobody leaves. Wears a Grecian Mask. His talk is always muffled so he relies on gestures/miming.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary

Development History

Awards

Finalist
,
Seven Devils Playwrights Conference
,
2020