Justice at War at The Coterie

This fall, The Coterie opens its 45th season with a compelling true story. Justice at War is the inspiring true story behind a courageous young woman whose Supreme Court triumph ended Japanese incarcerations during World War II. A co-production with Tradewind Arts and directed by Andi Meyer, Justice at War is performed live on The Coterie’s mainstage in Crown Center for families ages 10 and older, September 19-October 15, 2023.

This unique and interactive drama is set in the Supreme Court where audience members are sworn in by a Bailiff, played by Diane Bulan, as justices hearing the case and ruling. Chief Justice Stone, played by Alton Takiyama-Chung, presides over the case. The audience is transported back in time hearing Mitsuye Endo’s challenge to her years-long incarceration at an internment camp by the U.S. government during World War II.

We learn that Mitsuye Endo, portrayed by Eunice Png, was born in the United States, speaks only English, has never been to Japan, is a Methodist, works at a DMV in California where she is employed by the local government, is a law-abiding citizen - but as an American of Japanese descent, she was separated from her family and forced to live in an internment camp. Through the trial, we learn that the camp is like a prison with unsanitary, unpleasant, and crowded living conditions, barbed wire fences, and guards keeping them inside.

The attorneys Solicitor General Fahy, played by Casey Jane, and James C. Purcell played by Tanner Rose, call Endo and General DeWitt, played by Scott Cordes to the stand. Through their testimonies, we learn from an American General that it was Presidential Order 9066 issued by FDR to relocate over 125,000 people of Japanese descent due to a fear of espionage or worse after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Approximately two-thirds were American citizens, including Endo.

The audience must weigh fear during wartime against a backdrop of violated civil liberties and freedoms.

The witness testimonies raise crucial questions about national security, government responsibility, and the administration of justice. After hearing the case, the audience is given an opportunity to question the attorneys and witnesses, and once they have heard the case they list out the key points on each side and rule on the case.

This thought-provoking historical exercise encourages the audience to consider this issue through a historical lens evaluating all sides carefully. The show is an outstanding academic exercise for students and we highly recommend this show for 7th-12th grade students.

 Justice at War is co-written by Wendy Lement, playwright and the co-founder of Theatre Espresso, a company dedicated to creating interactive dramas that bring historical debates and dilemmas to life for students to foster a generation of involved citizens. Lement’s plays The Nine Who Dared: Courage in Little Rock, And Justice for Some: The Freedom Trial of Anthony Burns, and Secret Soldiers were previously produced by The Coterie.

Like the company’s other pieces, Justice at War also incorporates the audience into the performance, challenging them to make critical judgments, explore social relationships, and reflect on the role of law and human rights in our society.

Written for upper elementary middle and high school ages, Justice at War encourages thought-provoking conversation, during the performance as actors engage the audience from the stage as well as long after the performance is over.

The Coterie’s production of Justice at War runs approximately 70 minutes with no intermission and is perfect for families ages ten and older. The production is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, The Shubert Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, and Theater League.

Purchase tickets online at The Coterie's website.