Taira

WAILUKU – Jenny Taira, co-author and composer of the musical “Peace On Your Wings,” will give the keynote talk at Maui’s annual commemoration of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Iao United Church of Christ at 2371 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.

In addition, original cast members Shayna Yasunaga and Carson Davis will perform a short scene and some musical numbers from the production and share a bit of their experiences being in the show, which has gone to Los Angeles and New York in addition to Kauai, Maui and around Oahu.

The musical is based on the true story of 12-year-old atomic bomb victim Sadako Sasaki and her thousand paper cranes, folded in the hope for life and peace. Taira will share insights into the show’s inspiration and its journey from idea to stages statewide and on the Mainland, with a cast comprised entirely of youth ambassadors of Sadako’s message.

“Peace On Your Wings” co-author and lyricist Laurie Rubin will sing “Higher” from the musical “Allegiance” by Jay Kuo. Rubin has concertized internationally at such venues as Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Kennedy Center and the White House.

Attendees are invited to learn and make origami peace cranes from 5 p.m. prior to the program and to stay for tea and refreshments afterward. Starting at 5:15 p.m. will be a performance by Maui Taiko. Also on the program are the Kosrae Etawi a capella choir from Iao Church and Japanese koto musicians Mika Inaba and Koko Wolbe.

The inter-faith and inter-cultural program is free and open to the public. Parking is in the lot at the church’s Vineyard Street address or in additional parking off Main Street across from the Bailey House Museum.

The program is sponsored by the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Remembrance Committee, Wailuku Jodo Mission, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Iao United Church of Christ, and Maui Peace Education Foundation.