Did You See George Takei In ‘Kisa Gotami’ at Berkeley?

In July 1956, the renowned Bay Area poet, writer and playwright Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s play “Kisa Gotami,” was performed by the Berkeley YBA Choir at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple — and featured a UC Berkeley student named George Takei.

Kashiwagi’s play was a retelling of the Buddhist Jataka tale, “The Parable of the Mustard Seed.” It was requested by Jane Imamura, who provided the music.

The cast included Mary Tagumi, Janet Shohara, Richard Arakawa, Takako Shinoda, Thomas Okamura — and Takei. 

“The most notable thing about the play is that it marked the beginning of George Takei’s acting career when he played the part of the Buddha in the original production,” Kashiwagi wrote in his book, “Shoe Box Plays.” 

At the time, Takei majored in architecture and attended the Berkeley Buddhist Temple. 

Soon after doing ‘Kisa Gotami,” Takei decided to transfer to UCLA to study acting, Kashiwagi wrote.

Takei is most well-known as Sulu in the “Star Trek” TV series and movies.

Were you in the show or in the audience? Do you have photos of the performance?

If so, the BCA Music History Committee would like to hear from you. Recollections about this event are being gathered for a video documentary which includes the audio from the 1956 performance.  

Please contact Yumi Hatta at jyhatta@gmail.com