George Takei shares his story with Houston – Houston Public Media

Courtesy of George Takei

In February of 1942, then-President of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order that resulted in the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese-Americans following America’s entry into World War II, during which the nation of Japan was an enemy belligerent.

Actor George Takei, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek, was, along with his mother, father, and two siblings, among those who were removed from their homes and forced into these so-called internment camps. At five years of age, Takei did not fully understand what was happening, but grew curious about the experience as he got older, and has since set out to educate others about this period in American history.

This weekend, the Apollo Chamber Players will present a performance of Marty Regan’s The Book of Names, a piece inspired by those Americans of Japanese descent that were incarcerated solely because of their heritage and ethnicity. This performance will feature Takei as a narrator as he shares his family’s experience.

In the audio above, Houston Matters’ Joshua Zinn talks with Takei and Apollo Chamber Players Artistic Director Matt Detrick about the concert and why Takei has made a mission of educating people on this topic.

Apollo’s concert “Liberty” will take place on Saturday, October 5th at 7 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Lynn Lane