Behind Barbed Wire - WORLD PREMIERE

Friday, January 31, 2025 | 7:30pm | Clark Center in Arroyo Grande

Behind Barbed Wire: A Glimpse at Central Coast Japanese American Life During WWII centers around 1942, a few weeks prior to graduation, when nearly 45% of the Arroyo Grande High School Graduating Class were bussed with their Japanese-American families to isolated internment camps. Historian Jim Gregory (author of World War II Arroyo Grande), composer Deon Nielsen Price (Behind Barbed Wire), and conductor Brian Alhadeff (OperaSLO Grand Orchestra), are pleased to present a commemoration of that tumultuous time.

With a live orchestra and a big band, guest performers, video, poetry, swing music of the 1940’s and narration, this special production shares this region’s local heritage of sacrifice, friendship, patriotism, hard work, and community solidarity.

Featuring: Darryl Taylor, Countertenor; Chika Inoue, Saxophone; Mary Au, Piano; Narration by Jim Gregory, People of Honor; Video Editing by Highlight Media – Christina Bearce; Musical Compositions by Deon Nielsen Price; Justine Prado Manro, Stage Director; Friendly Neighborhood Big Band, Mitch Latting, Director; and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra with Brian Asher Alhadeff, Music Director and Conductor

Sponsored by: Culver Crest Publications, Osumi Agricultural Company Inc., South County Historical Society, Hayashi Family Farms, Opera San Luis Obispo, an the Clark Center for the Performing Arts.