5th Annual Summer Youth Staged Reading: Sisters Matsumoto
Contemporary Asian Theater Scene Presents 5th Annual Summer Youth Staged Reading
Featuring “Sisters Matsumoto” by Philip Kan Gotanda, performed by Bay Area youth June 19–20 at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif., June 4, 2026 – Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) presents its 5th annual Summer Youth Staged Reading on June 19 and 20, featuring the play “Sisters Matsumoto” by Philip Kan Gotanda. The production is directed by Chris Sicat, performed entirely by local Bay Area youth, and takes place at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose in its Agricultural Exhibit Area.
“By presenting ‘Sisters Matsumoto’ with a youth-led cast, we are providing a platform for the next generation to engage deeply with a critical chapter of Japanese American history,” said Joanne Ho, executive director of Contemporary Asian Theater Scene. “This production allows young AAPI artists to not only grow as artists but also explore themes of resilience and identity while preserving the legacy of those who came before them.”
The play explores a significant period in American history, focusing on the Japanese American incarceration experience and the subsequent challenges of post-war racism and resettlement. In selecting this play for its annual Summer Youth Staged Reading, CATS aims to connect generations while preserving and sharing community history through theater.
CALENDAR LISTING
WHO: Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS)
WHAT: A youth staged reading of the play “Sisters Matsumoto” by Philip Kan Gotanda
WHEN: Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20*, 2026, at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Japanese American Museum of San Jose, 535 N. 5th St, San Jose, CA 95112
TICKETS: $28.52 general admission; $17.85 students and seniors; $39.19 theater supporters.
Purchase tickets.
*Note: Saturday, June 20 performance features a special appearance by playwright Philip Kan Gotanda, and following the performance, there will be a dance hall and concert for attendees.
ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ASIAN THEATER SCENE (CATS)
Founded in 1995 by the late Dr. Jerry Hiura, the late Steve Yamaguma, and Miki Hirabayashi Bellon, Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) champions Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists in Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. The organization supports and presents artists through staged readings, comedy, music, film screenings, and its annual signature events, the AAPI Playwright Festival and Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest. Located in San Jose’s Japantown, CATS continues its founders’ vision of enriching the cultural landscape by supporting, mentoring, and presenting AAPI artists and their stories. CATS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at CatsAsianTheaterScene.org.