In 1942, during World War II, 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry—two-thirds of whom were American citizens—were unjustly incarcerated in concentration camps within the United States. Today, a team of more than 40 artists and technicians is coming together to premiere a bold, new contemporary opera on February 22, 2025 at the JACCC Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo.

Created by librettist Lionelle Hamanaka, a descendant of camp survivors, and composer Daniel Kessner, The Camp tells the moving story of the Shimono family, Japanese Americans forcibly removed from their suburban home in Southern California. After Mas, a fisherman and the head of the household, is arrested by the FBI on suspicion of espionage, the family is reunited in a desolate incarceration camp. As the family struggles to survive the emotional and physical toll of their wrongful imprisonment, this poignant, new opera illuminates the remarkable strength of familial bonds and the power of collective resistance in the face of injustice.

Blending evocative music, rich storytelling, and stunning visuals, and under the direction of Diana Wyenn, this opera promises to be a transformative experience.

Why Your Support Matters

To bring this vision to life, we need your support. Your contribution will help fund everything from set construction to rehearsals with world-class performers. Every donation—big or small—plays a vital role in making this production a reality.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, whose belief in the role and impact of the arts makes productions like The Camp possible. By supporting this opera, you ensure that new voices, ideas, and works have the opportunity to thrive.

Join Us

As we embark on this exciting journey toward opening night, we invite you to be a part of our story. Whether you are an opera enthusiast, a lover of new music, or someone who believes in the importance of the arts in our society, your support will make all the difference.

Together, we can bring The Camp to life. Thank you for your generosity, and we look forward to sharing this incredible experience with you February 22 – March 2, 2025. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit jaccc.org/events/the-camp-an-opera-in-two-acts.

The Camp Giving Opportunities

Friends Circle ($1-$499)

Name recognition in printed programs, production website, and social media shout out.
Early access to behind-the-scenes updates from the singers and creative team.

Directors Circle ($500-$2,499)

All of the above, plus:

Two (2) premium tickets to the performance of your choice. Subject to availability.
Invitation for two (2) to the opening night champagne toast after the curtain call.

Producers Circle ($2,500+)

All of the above, plus:

An additional six (6) tickets to the performance of your choice. Subject to availability and can be divided across performances.
Verbal recognition during pre-show announcements.
Name recognition as “Co-Producer” in printed programs, production website, social media shout out, and pre-show slideshow.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Synchromy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donations, minus any gifts received, are thereby tax deductable.

Join Us in Bringing The Camp to Life

A Bold New Opera Premiering in 2025

Team Members