George Takei, Actor and Activist

John Weidman, Librettist of "Pacific Overtures"

David Hajdu, Professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School

Carol Gluck, George Sansom Professor of History, Columbia University

Pacific Overtures is a celebrated musical written by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. Set in Japan beginning in 1853, the musical explores the Westernization of Japan from the point of view of the Japanese. With a new production of the musical now taking place at New York's Classic Stage Company, this event brings together actor George Takei, librettist John Weidman, music critic David Hajdu, and historian Carol Gluck in conversation about Pacific Overtures' lasting significance.

Co-sponsored by the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture, Columbia University

Event Details

• Guest check-in will begin at 3:30 p.m. Please arrive early as seating will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Registration does not guarantee admission.
• Your presence at this event indicates your willingness to appear in any photos as produced by Columbia. If this is an issue, please let us know. Thank you.
  
• This event is sponsored by The Weatherhead East Asian Institute and The Donald Keene Center of Japanese Culture.