“Valley of the Heart” is a heart wrenching story of actual happenings and how the almost forgotten Second World War affected the people of the time. It jars those of us that lived through that moment to remember a time we would rather forget. It also shows this generation what went on and cautions about it not letting the past happen again.
Written and directed by acclaimed playwright Luis Valdez, “Valley of the Heart” makes its world premiere in San Jose.
The story tells of two immigrant farming families trying to eke out a living to support their families right after the depression.
One is a Japanese American family that runs a farm and the other is a Mexican American family that works as share croppers for the Japanese American family. A Mexican boy falls in love with a Japanese girl – they marry just as World War II happens, and the history lesson begins. The Japanese are sent off to the American concentration camps and families and lives are disrupted. When you realize this actually happened you wonder how! Valdez covers the time and events with accuracy through this well done play with a fine strong cast.
Lakin Valdez (a resounding likeable Benjamin) and Melanie Mah (the ever positive Thelma) carry these difficult roles, showing the dignity and pride these people must have had to survive the turmoil the short sighted government of that time imposed. The play is well supported by Randell Nakano, Christina Chu, Ryan Takemiya, Anthony Chan, Gustavo Mellado, Rosa Maria Escalante, Andres Ortiz, Christy Sandoval.
Davis Murakami’s superb projection designs meld the scenes together with the background movie shots filling in where the action takes place. The simplicity and size of the theatre combines with a simplistic set well detailed by Joe Cardinalli. It features fine sound, and lighting by Cliff Caruthers and Michael Palumbo, with era fitting costumes by Lupe Valdez.
For a visit to a past moment in time and a jarring wake-up call don’t miss “Valley of the Heart”.
“Valley of the Heart”
Where: The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose
Through: March 13
Tickets: $30-$65
Time: 3 hours and ten minutes with one 15 minute intermission
For reservations and information: 408-283-7142 or www.thestage.org
