Day of Remembrance

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts in honored to collaborate with the Japanese American Citizens Leagues Mt. Olympus Chapter, and Plan-B Theatre, to commemorate Day of Remembrance, which recognizes the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D Roosevelt on February 19, 1942. This order led to the unjust mass incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The day serves as a remembrance of this historical injustice and acts as a call to action to protect civil liberties today.

Gather in the Dumke Auditorium at the UMFA for a reading of Plan-B Theatre's KILO-WAT by Aaron Asano Swenson, (featuring Bryan Kido from the 2024 production), followed by a post-performance discussion featuring Hank Misaka & Nancy Umemura, the children of the central figure in KILO-WAT, Wat Misaka. Following the event, attendees are encouraged to explore the UMFA galleries and enjoy the art on view. This event is free, and all are welcome to attend.

KILO-WAT explores the life and legacy of point guard and Utah native Wat "Kilo-Wat" Misaka, who led the University of Utah men's basketball team to the 1944 NCAA Championship at the height of World War II, when persons of Japanese descent from California, Washington, and Oregon were incarcerated in camps such as Topaz.

As residents of Utah, the Misaka family was spared incarceration.

Immediately following the Championship, Wat was drafted into the U.S. Army and, after the war ended, was assigned to interview survivors of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima.

When he returned home, he led the team to the 1947 NIT Championship, completed his degree in mechanical engineering, and was drafted by the New York Knicks, breaking the color barrier in professional basketball.

KILO-WAT explores what it means to make history within history.

The University of Utah retired Wat Misaka's number (20) in 2022.

Cast & Creative:

• Playwright & Projections Designer: Aaron Asano Swenson

• Actor: Bryan Kido

• Director: Jerry Rapier

• Sound Designer: Cheryl Ann Cluff

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Host or Publisher Utah Museum of Fine Arts