‘Peace On Your Wings’ co-author part of commemoration of atomic bombings
Jenny Taira, co-author and composer of the musical “Peace On Your Wings,” will give the keynote talk at Maui’s annual commemoration of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6 at the Iao United Church of Christ, 2371 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.
Attendees are invited to learn how to make origami peace cranes at 5 p.m. prior to the program and to stay for tea and refreshments afterward.
Maui Taiko will perform at 5:15. Also on the program are the Kosrae Etawi choir from Iao Church and Japanese koto musicians Mika Inaba and Koko Wolbe.
Original cast members Shayna Yasunaga and Carson Davis will perform a short scene and some musical numbers from “Peace On Your Wings,” and share a bit of their experiences being in the show, which has gone to Los Angeles and New York in addition to Kauai, Maui and around Oahu.
The musical is based on the true story of 12-year-old atomic bomb victim Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes, folded in the hope for life and peace. Taira will share insights into the show’s inspiration and its journey from idea to stages statewide and on the Mainland, with a cast composed entirely of youth ambassadors of Sadako’s message
“Peace On Your Wings” co-author and lyricist Laurie Rubin will sing “Higher” from the musical and “Allegiance” by Jay Kuo. Rubin has performed in concert internationally at such venues as Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Kennedy Center and the White House.
The interfaith and intercultural program is free and open to the public. Parking is in the lot at the church’s Vineyard Street address, or in additional parking off Main Street across from the Bailey House Museum. The program is sponsored by the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Remembrance Committee, the Wailuku Jodo Mission, the Lahaina Jodo Mission, Iao United Church of Christ, and Maui Peace Education Foundation.