I’m doing a preview of Secret Warriors at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN because I won’t get there in time to write a review before it closes on April 19. Please consider attending this show and following these other terrific Twin Cities Theater Reviewers. 

Paul LaNave, Josh Kwon, Erik Ohno Dagoberg, Song Kim, and Clay Man Soo in Secret Warriors at the History Theatre, thru 4/49/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Quote of the Day: Reviews by fellow Twin Cities Theater Bloggers:

Jill at Cherry and Spoon lifts up the social relevance of this play as well as shedding light on American History that is often overlooked.

“Much like the recent Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, which tells the previously unknown story of Black women who served in WWII, providing an important function that no one else was able to do, Secret Warriors tells the story of the Japanese Americans who provided an invaluable service to the WWII war effort, risking their lives for a country that unjustly imprisoned their families.”

Rob at The Stages of MN highlights the historical significance of the Secret Warriors of Japanese-American decent: 

“Secret Warriors by R.A. Shiomi reminds us that the ugliness we see around us everyday, especially from our government is not new. It tells a story from a shameful moment in our country’s history, when Americans of Japanese descent were rounded up and imprisoned in camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. That is the backdrop upon which this story is told, in the foreground are four soldiers, who despite what was happening to their families volunteered for a secret project that saved thousands of lives during the war.”

Clay Man Soo and Rich Remedios in Secret Warriors at the History Theatre, thru 4/49/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Keith from Life in Review writes of the importance of this story and the unjust Asian hate and racism, then and now:

“Some of the story with the racism, and the concentration camps may feel very familiar to those of us who are watching the daily news. This story may be set during World War two, but there is quite a bit that mirrors what is happening today.”

Carly at MN Theater Love highlights the significance of this play and the History Theatre’s mission:

” Secret Warriors, a new play commissioned by the History Theatre (running through April 19), does what the History Theatre does best: focuses in on a particular element of history with a Minnesota connection. This World War II-set play, written by R.A. Shiomi and directed by Lily Tung Crystal, brings to light the stories of the Japanese Americans who were recruited to serve as translators and interpreters in service to the American military.”

Erik Ohno Dagoberg, Clay Man Soo, Tony Larkin, Stephanie Anne Bertumen, and Kendall Kent in Secret Warriors at the History Theatre, thru 4/49/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Friends, I’m not able to get to this show until closing weekend, April 19, but want to highlight its importance and give you an opportunity to go and see it. It’s on my must-see list for the spring, along with several other great shows. So much great theater, so little time!!

What I admire most about the History Theatre in Minnesota is that they lift up voices from various perspectives and backgrounds. They support and develop new plays. They provide value insight into the human condition and keep us informed about the past, present, and future. 

For tickets and showtimes, visit the History Theatre website, where you can see the full list of cast and crew and read more reviews of this important new play.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What do you know about the Japanese/American involvement during WWII, or any part of American History?