F.L. MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Joan Boada, right, of the San Francisco Ballet and Amanda Schull are the lead dancers in "Coppelia."

‘Tea’ tells stories
of war brides

Four Japanese women who married American soldiers during the post-war occupation of Japan meet in the home of a fifth war bride shortly after her suicide. They clean the house, drink tea, and reflect on their experiences in Japan and America. Playwright Velina Hasu Houston, herself the product of one such post-war marriage, captures the experiences of the Japanese women of her mother's generation with "Tea," marking the third time that Kumu Kahua has staged it.

"Tea" » Where: Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St. » When: 8 p.m. Thursday, continues 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 25 » Tickets: $5 to $16 » Call: 536-4441

The women in "Tea" have little in common with each other, other than their Japanese heritage and their decision to marry American soldiers after the war. One came from an upper-class family fallen on hard times. Another was a barber. A third was a dance-hall girl who became pregnant by a customer and ended up marrying him.

Another is married to a Japanese-American from California. Another married a Mexican-American. Another married an African-American, even though she wondered when they first met if his color would wash off in the rain.

"Tea" explores their experiences from many perspectives. For instance, the American military made it as difficult as possible for soldiers to marry Japanese women, but the women were often ostracized by other Japanese who were disgusted by the thought of a Japanese woman marrying a non-Japanese. With suicides, rapes, murders, racial prejudice and cultural alienation as key parts of the story, "Tea" is often grim, but there are lighter moments as well.

Denise Aiko Chinen, Karen Hironaga, Blossom Lam Hoffman, Tess Yong Kim and Christine Yano star in this revival.