MADE IN AMERICA

Reviews by Ariel Mary Ann
Posted On June 13, 2023

Trigger warning for mentions of abuse and assault.”

Made in America by Teruko Nakajima is perhaps one of the most heartbreaking shows this Fringe season. Hailing from Los Angeles, Nakajima shares with the audience her experience of growing up in Japan where she endured abuse at the hands of her parents and men in her life. This emotionally heavy show spotlights the ways in which women of color are often ignored when bringing to light trauma they’ve survived.

As a Black trans woman who has experienced my own fair share of abuse, this show spoke to me on a deep personal level. From the moment she steps on stage, it’s clear that she has a bubbly personality unlike any other. As the show progresses, we start to see a more vulnerable side of Nakajima where she addresses the shame she felt around her trauma and the work she put in to get to a place of healing.

Bottom Line: Made in America is a show about one woman’s fight to r

By Rick Pender
June 10th, 2023

CINCY FRINGE 2023. I’ve crossed paths with Teruko Nakajima more than once during this year’s Fringe festival. With her heart-shaped red-framed eyeglasses and chipper demeanor, I wasn’t fully prepared for her hair-raising personal story presented in MADE IN AMERICA, at the Fringe’s 1316 Main venue. While repeatedly jaunty and upbeat, she describes a life of trauma and violence from her childhood in Tokyo to her adult life in America. She was repeatedly physically and sexually abused (38 times, she tells us) along the way before she finally figured out how to be happy in a more permanent way. She fully credits the United States as enabling her to do that, despite all the horrible steps she suffered along the way. Dressed in a fringed scarlet dress and quick to show off her professional dance moves, she’s fun to watch — and if you weren’t hearing her descriptions about her awful experiences, you might think MADE IN AMERICA is a comedy. It has many laugh-o

By Alan Jozwiak
Posted On June 12, 2023

Teruko Nakajima has a life story to tell–starting with her dysfunctional homelife and abusive childhood in Tokyo, Japan, continuing through her experiences as a professional dancer and sex worker in New York City, and ending with her breakdown and rebirth in Los Angeles. Nakajima is a vibrant performer who invites her audience to this amazing story in a tell-all solo performance. I cannot give away too much about the show for fear of spoilers. What stands out in her performance is her absolute conviction of telling her own truth without self-judgement or fear of audience condemnation.

She is a brave spirit who comes to terms with her past and hopes her audience can learn from her experiences. In short, Nakajima is a must-see performer whose energy and infectious spirit of being in the now is worth the price of admission. She also owns an amazing support animal, her dog Titi, who is the most chill theatre dog I have ever had the experienc

By Liz Eichler, Stage Insights Chair
Posted On June 10, 2023

Made in America is a powerful tale of perseverance, as Teruko Nakajima overcame a very difficult early life in Japan and as she emigrated to the US.

Clad in a red fringe dress with heart shaped glasses, Teruko relates her childhood as the only child of a very abusive and addicted family. Her sole goal is to make her mother smile, and at age 4 decides to be a super star. She knows right then she is “sexy dynamite” and is laser focused on being a superstar.

Her story is both heartbreaking and heroic. You just want to connect with her, for comfort, congratulations, and capturing some of her indefatigable joy. She’s clearly a dancer, and moves throughout the piece with precision and control.

Recommended. Powerful, polished, everyone should see–it is not just a woman’s story, or an immigrant’s story.

Trigger warning: domestic violence, child abuse and suicidal ideation.

Source:
https://leagueofcincytheatres.i

BY KIRK SHEPPARD
JUN 3, 2023

FRINGE: Made in America is Both Heartwrenching and Heartwarming

“I wanted to rush the stage to protect and hug actress Teruko Nakajima”

As a therapist, I’m relatively accustomed to hearing people relive their trauma stories. Unfortunately, in twenty years of practice, I’ve heard a lot. And while it’s certainly not a competition, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a story quite like the one told in “Made in America.”

Teruko Nakajima, a Japanese-American, shares her life story with us – and it’s a doozy. She talks about domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicidality. She talks about the intense shame that a life full of this kind of abuse will heap on a person.

But she does so in a colorful and hilarious way that will both break and warm your heart.

I had a boss who used to tell me when I would get frustrated with things that I was a "lightning bug surrounded by earthworms,” and it was “my job to light their way.” Teruko (along with her dog, T

Irresistible kick-off to NYC’s annual Fringe Encore Series with ‘Made in America’ at SoHo Playhouse

By Deb Miller – November 26, 2022

Now in its 15th season off Broadway at SoHo Playhouse, the International Fringe Encore Series, this year running from November 25, 2022-January 8, 2023, is curated to bring the “Best of the Fests” from around the globe to NYC. It most definitely has done that with Japanese-born artist Teruko Nakajima and her solo show Made in America, which won multiple awards in the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Well, it’s not exactly a solo show; she is joined on stage by her dog Titi, and they’re equally irresistible.

Directed by John Flynn, the candid autobiographical monologue is performed in lively direct address by the adorable Teruko, who recounts in her sweet, soft, high-pitched voice the inconceivable struggles she faced since her traumatic childhood in Tokyo and her relocation to the US, first to New York and then to LA, as soon as she was old enough

【素晴らしかった一人芝居をご紹介します】
日本から米国に渡った１人の女優が、日本・NY・LAで生き抜いてきた実体験をベースに、
愛情とは？安全な場所とは？
真の幸せとは何なのか？
を問いかける…
『MADE IN AMERICA』
楽しかった思い出も、
身の凍るほど辛い、トラウマになるような命と尊厳に関わる出来事の数々も、
巧みにチャーミングなオチや笑いに変え、
胸を打つ感動に昇華させ、最後には涙を誘う脚本とテンポの良い構成が見事。
独白が続いていくセリフ量も圧巻で、
これを書き上げ、観客の前で披露するまでに、どれだけの稽古時間を費やし、どれほどの人生の難局を乗り越えてきたのかと思うと、計り知れない凄みを感じました。
“努力と継続（あきらめない力）”が
人をどこまで高めていけるのかを
目の当たりにし、勇気をもらえる作品です。
主演・脚本のナカジマ・テルコ（輝子）ちゃん Teruko Nakajima とは２００８年に、AFIの短編映画の撮影時に知り合いました。
当時、渡米したばかりの僕はまだLAの社会や業界に認知もされていない頃でしたが、輝子ちゃんは僕の俳優活動を知ってくれていました。
アメリカ人の監督に、
「尾崎さんが出ているなら、参加したい！」
と、端役しか役が残っていなかったにも関わらず、直談判をして撮影現場に来てくれたのだそうです。
そこから実に１４年を経て、自分の初の一人舞台を披露してくれました。
米国でコメディという厳しい競争の分野に進み、テレビなどのキャリアを着々と築き、沢山のことを肥やしにして成長していたのだな…ということが、堂々たる演じぶりから伝わってきました。
終演後も、劇場の外で観客の一人一人に満面の笑みで丁寧に接する姿に涙が出ました。
この作品はすでに賞をいくつか獲得し、
再演の予定もあるそうです。
なんとNYのオフ・ブロードウェイ公演の計画と
エジンバラでの公演予定も組まれているそう。
長い歳月を経ても忘れないでいてくれて、
大切な挑戦の公演に招いてくれて、
本当に感慨深いものがありました。
再演の際には是非、劇場に足をお運び下さい。
おススメしたい一本です！

ロサンゼルスを拠点に女優、タレントとして活躍するTeruko Nakajimaさんが、今夏「ハリウッド・フリンジ・フェスティバル2022」で、数々の賞を受賞し、絶賛を浴びた独演劇「Made in America」をニューヨークで初上演する。

STAGE RAWの「トップ10ピックアップ」、LA THEATRE BITESの「グレートショー」に選出され、「残酷なまでに正直で、驚くほど面白く、胸を締め付けられるほど人生を肯定してくれる。」作品、と紹介された。

アメリカに移住したTerukoが、障害に直面し、アメリカで生き抜く術を学ぶ、衝撃的で生々しい自伝。女性、アジア人、移民一世、メンタルヘルス、家庭内暴力、児童虐待、性的虐待、自殺、そして苦しみ、助けを必要とするすべての人への意識を喚起する。オリジナリティ溢れる、笑いと涙の１時間。愛犬ティティも出演する。

「フリンジ・フェスティバル2022」で注目された作品を上演する「INTERNATIONAL FRINGE ENCORE SERIES 2022」。「Made in America」の公演は、１１月２５日（金）から１２月３日（土）まで、SoHo Playhouseで８公演を行う。

【INTERNATIONAL FRINGE ENCORE SERIES 2022】

・公演日時：11月25日（金）午後７時　／　11月26日（土）午後７時　／　11月27日（日）午後５時　／　11月28日（月）午後９時　／　11月29日（火）午後７時　／　11月30日（水）午後７時　／　12月1日（木）午後７時　／　12月3日（土）午後７時

・劇場：SoHo Playhouse（15 Vandam St, New York, NY 10013）www.sohoplayhouse.com

・チケット購入：https://ci.ovationtix.com/35583/production/1141346

【公式サイト】https://www.terukonakajima.com/

▶︎Teruko Nakajima　　俳優、ダンサー、歌手、作家、彫刻家。東京の芸術家一家に生まれ、母親は日本舞踊家であり、Terukoに最も大きな影響を与えた。幼い頃からスターになることを夢見て、4歳でダ

kdramaschool.com
Episode 80: Worlds Within and Buddhist Lawyer with Teruko Nakajima
Interviewed by Dr. Grace Jung

Full interview:
YouTube Link
https://youtu.be/ql7VtQ9Ttbs

Podcast Link
https://www.kdramaschool.com/episodes/ep-80-worlds-within-and-buddhist-lawyer-with-teruko-nakajima

[Spoiler Alert] Grace discusses the show Worlds Within (2008, KBS) written by Noh Hee-kyung, and how the show addresses struggles of female TV directors trying to make it in a male-dominated industry in Korea, and Noh’s meta storytelling on the show by including a writer character, and the upsides and downsides of a tightly-knit community that works more like a dysfunctional family. Grace’s guest is Teruko Nakajima (@terukonakajima on Instagram) who is currently playing in her very moving one-woman solo show “Made in America.” Grace admires Teruko’s mission statement behind the show, which is “a love letter to America,” and how important it is to be mindful of the privilege and abunda

Made In America
By Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros – 07/21/2022

A NoHo Arts theatre review of “Made In America,” written and performed by Teruko Nakajima, directed by John Flynn running through July 31.

The winner of the Fringe Award for Best Solo Show, the Splash Award, Pick of The Fringe, the Hollywood Encore Producers Award and the Hollywood Fringe Scholarship Award 2022,

Teruko Nakajima’s “Made In America” is the mesmerizing story of a fascinating life. From early childhood to present day, Teruko walks us through who she was and who she has become.

With riveting narrative and her own unique and heartfelt voice, she fills the stage with her positive energy even as she describes the most difficult moments in her life.

Teruko Nakajima’s story of how and why she came to America is a particularly poignant portrait. A survivor of multiple instances of sexual abuse and rape, Teruko’s beautiful and sweet warrior spirit and her ability to always see the best in those who most

MADE IN AMERICA
Reviewed by Harrison Held

I totally loved the new solo show MADE IN AMERICA starring and written by the adorable & charming Japanese actress Teruko Nakajima and well directed by John Flynn. The original shocking and riveting one woman piece tugs at your heart, makes you laugh and probably will move you to tears. Teruko Nakajima earnestly tells us the story of her life from her earliest days in Japan dealing with abuse and alcoholism to her decision to make her own life far away in New York City, and then in Los Angeles. The very unique Ms. Nakajima is a wonderful story teller, dancer and performer and her story is definitely worth watching.

MADE IN AMERICA is a fast moving show – there’s never a dull moment and I think it will inspire viewers to live their best life. Congratulations Ms. Nakajima on all the awards you’ve been winning! You certainly deserve them – You are a living and breathing miracle and a true inspiration. TRULY A GREAT SHOW!

Running

Made in America Review – Surviving and Thriving in Life
by Elaine Mura
July 12th, 2022

Teruko Nakajima’s solo show has racked up awards upon awards since it opened and even became a STAGE RAW Top-Ten pick. There must be something very special about the production to warrant the accolades it has received. Written, produced, and performed by Teruko Nakajima and Titi (her lovable dog), MADE IN AMERICA is a shocking, autobiographical tale about a first-generation American who immigrated to the U.S. from Japan. Directed by John Flynn, this is a play which will intrigue, delight, entertainment, and grip you as it uncovers all of the pitfalls just waiting to happen when people leave the safety and security of their home countries and travel afar to make a new life for themselves.

An actor, dancer, singer, writer, and sculptor who was born into a family of artists in Tokyo, multi-talented Teruko Nakajima had temperamental parents with some problems of their own. From her mother

by Chloe Rabinowitz
July 8th, 2022

MADE IN AMERICA by Teruko Nakajima Extends at The Complex Through July
Nakajima’s MADE IN AMERICA is a shocking, raw autobiography about a brave first-generation American that chose to immigrate to the States from Japan.

Teruko Nakajima’s Award Winning World Premiere Solo-Show, MADE IN AMERICA received tremendous accolades at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2022, winning: The Best Solo Show, The Splash Award, Pick of the Fringe, Hollywood Fringe Festival Scholarship, was a Nominee for Best World Premiere, International Encore by Soho Playhouse and Soaring Solo Social Impact Award. MADE IN AMERICA is a STAGE RAW Top-Ten Pick.
Nakajima’s MADE IN AMERICA is a shocking, raw autobiography about a brave first-generation American that chose to immigrate to the States from Japan by her own will for a reason, encounters many odd and dangerous situations, faces obstacles and learns how to survive in America. This show about humanity describes beautifull

by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

“AMERICA NEVER LET ME DIE”

With her beaming smile, sweet voice, heart-shaped glasses and endearing dog Titi, Tokyo native Teruko Nakajima cuts a sunny, playful figure that is the very embodiment of Japanese kawaii (cute or adorable). But there’s so much more to this internationally trained dancer, artist and actress than meets the eye.

Teruko Nakajima wrote and stars in Made in America.
“I am not a character!” Nakajima exclaims. “Whenever I do some stuff, they say, ‘oh, she’s imitating Japanese accent. She must be American.’ No, I’m the real person — that’s the original reason I wanted to do the one-person show.”

Made in America, taking place Saturday, July 9, at 8:30 p.m., details her journey from tortured soul trying to survive a childhood marked by domestic violence and sexual abuse to her “escape” to the United States, where she discovers herself and an unquenchable lust for life.

“Six years ago, I was in a suicide ward,” she explains.

Reviewed by Patrick Chavis
8.6 out of 10
“GREAT SHOW!”
“RECOMMENDED”
“THIS IS HOW YOU DO A GREAT ONE PERSON SHOW!”
“MY FAVORITE SHOW OF THE FRINGE THIS YEAR!”
“IT’S A SUCCESS STORY. IT’S AN AMERICAN STORY. AND LIKE MOST AMERICAN, IT’S A COMPLEX STORY!”
Full Review:
http://latheatrebites.com/hollywood-fringe-festival-2022-made-in-america-the-complex-theatre-review/

By Constance Strickland

WHO: Teruko Nakajima

WHAT: Made in America

WHERE: The Complex Theatre and Studios (Ruby Theatre ) 6476 Santa Monica Blvd

WHY: Teruko! Teruko the Original! This solo show will have the hardest of humans laughing unexpectedly and then, with a whisper of a word, bring you to stillness. As I sat watching Teruko, I was struck by her authenticity, her powerful ability to honor her true self and to manifest her destiny despite the pains and tribulations she has experienced. There was a freedom exuding from Teruko that made me in awe: a freedom that only comes from finding ways to continue out of the dark into the light.

As I left the theatre I found myself still smiling and shouting: Teruko the Hero! As the show came to an end she brought us all to our feet and each person in that audience was not only rooting for her continued success in living her best life, we also came away with a better understanding of how vital it is for each of us to bet

Reviewed by Julyza Commodore
Hollywood Fringe
Thru June 24

RECOMMENDED

If you’re looking to be taken on a journey by one woman who insists on taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions all while having a smile on her face majority of the time, look no further. Made in America is a one-woman show performed by Teruko Nakajima (with an appearance from her dog, Titi). She takes pride in being “Your biggest cheerleader on Earth” and honestly that is evident very early on.

With only a projector, very few props and herself, Nakajima takes the audience for a ride, starting from her childhood and ending in the present time. In the matter of 60 minutes, we see how she has been able to survive and make it in America after choosing to immigrate from Japan to the United States. I was immediately drawn into her performance and story due to how vulnerable and honest it all is. There are moments that are both moving and tear provoking. In between these moments, she is also able t

June 14, 2022
By Constance Strickland

#FringeFemmes 2022! Meet Teruko Nakajima

Fringe Femmes 2022 are a bold cohort of women who are presenting new plays, original works and solo shows that have raised the bar on what it means to be an artist, tell one’s story and continue the work by any means necessary. Each year I am reminded that no matter the obstacles or the times in which we live, you cannot stop theatre as an art form from expanding, thriving and being a vessel to reveal, heal and nurture. LAFPI has the special ability to connect women from a wide variety of cultures and experiences together in their shared love of theatre.

This year continues to expand on that legacy and by golly I’m over the moon to introduce Teruko [which mean shining girl] Nakajima who is a bright light in dark times. “Made in America“ features Teruko, a first-generation Japanese artist, a brave girl who by her own will shares her difficult journey with us through singing, dancing and stories t

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
World Premiere

CONTACT:
Teruko Nakajima
HFF22.CO/7419

PREVIEW IS ON SUNDAY 4PM, JUNE 5TH 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA
MADE IN AMERICA is an hour-long solo show about a brave first-generation Japanese artist, Teruko’s shocking, raw autobiography. She chooses to immigrate to the States from Japan by her own will for a reason, encounters many odd and dangerous situations, faces obstacles and learns how to survive in America.

This show is about humanity. It describes beautifully about how the humane American system helped her and did everything for her to survive. This show needs to be seen and heard because it does bring awareness of Women, Asian, First-Generation Immigrants, Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Suicide and anyone who suffers and needs help.

Directed by John Flynn
Written & Produced by Teruko Nakajima
Performed by Teruko Nakajima & Titi (her dog)
**Teruko is a Winner of The Hollywood Fring