Performer and storyteller Alton Chung tackles the complex Japanese World War II experience with his latest performance, Okage Sama De (I Am What I Am Because of You), beginning February 8 at Portland’s Hipbone Studio. (Photo/Minaki Ishii, beyondbordersimages.com)

From The Asian Reporter, V18, #4 (January 22, 2008), page 15.

Performer and storyteller Alton Chung tackles the complex Japanese World War II experience with his latest performance, Okage Sama De (I Am What I Am Because of You).

Chung, whose monologue-driven storytelling embodies the experiences of his subjects, takes on five different stories of the Japanese experience with performances in February at Hipbone Studio in Portland.

Chung’s history-based stories focus on a variety of experiences, from internment camps to the frontlines of Europe and the Pacific. During the performance, Chung’s storytelling is complemented by Mike Van Liew, who adds music and effects with flutes and synthesizers.

The first story, "My Friend Ted," tells the tale of Ted Tanouye, who was sent to an internment camp where he volunteered to join the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor — 55 years after the end of World War II.

The second segment, "Heroes," is the story of two brothers from Hawaii who joined the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team and their journey from raw recruits to combat veterans.

"Through the Eyes of a Child" is about a Hawaii-born, Japan-raised U.S. Military Intelligence Service officer and his conflicting emotions when he’s asked to view his childhood friends in Japan as enemies.

"One Person Can Make a Difference" centers on a Japanese consul who went against the orders of his government by writing more than 2,000 transit visas to allow Polish Jew refugees to escape to Japan.

The show rounds out with "A Twice Saved Life," the story of an 11-year-old Lithuanian Jewish boy surviving in the war-torn ghetto and his experience with Japanese soldiers.

Alton Chung performs Okage Sama De (I Am What I Am Because of You) at 8:00pm on February 8, 9, 15, and 16 at Hipbone Studio, located at 1847 East Burnside Street, Suite 104, in Portland.

To learn more, or to buy tickets, call (360) 882-3581 or visit <www.altonchung.com>. Tickets are also available at <www.portlandstorytheater.com>.