This week, the Asian American Writers' Workshop is hosting Seventeen Syllables: Sharing Stories of Internment, a special dinner and cocktail reception honoring the work of Hisaye Yamamoto, the Japanese American writer who wrote short stories while interned during the second World War. The evening will feature artist Roger Shimomura, artist Tomie Arai, novelist Julie Otsuka, poet Purvi Shah and others reading from Hisaye's book. It's happening Wednesday, November 17 at Flomenhaft Gallery. Here are some more details:
I'm told the evening will include writers who will write you haikus on the spot. Readers and writers of all races and backgrounds are welcome. For further information about the event, and to purchase tickets, go to the Workshop's Page Turner website here.
Seventeen Syllables: Sharing Stories of Internment
Featuring Roger Shimomura and others!
Wednesday, November 17, 6-7pm
Flomenhaft Gallery, 547 W 27th St #200, NY, NY
We're throwing a special reception to present our fourth Lifetime Achievement Award to Hisaye Yamamoto, the legendary author of Seventeen Syllables, an edgy and sexual short story collection about how hard it can be for the Nisei and Issei generations to understand one another. Born in 1921, Hisaye wrote part of the collection while written in internment camps in Poston, Arizona.
At dinner, Smithsonian-recognized painter Roger Shimomura presents a special artist talk featuring paintings depicting his childhood in Idaho internment camps during the Second World War. At cocktails, Roger will present the award to a member of Hisaye's family and prominent Asian American community members will share stories from their family about internment. In honor of the title story of Hisaye's collection, which features a mother's obsession with haiku, we'll have well-known literary figures sell you personalized haikus at ten bucks a pop. Join us for an eclectic night, at the intersection between art and politics, as we honor the stories that pass between one generation to another.
Featuring special guests novelists Julie Otsuka, artist Tomie Arai, and poet Purvi Shah.